More Than 150 Local Products in Western Visayas Hang On Halal Standards
More than 150 locally produced goods in the Philippines’ Western Visayas region have met recognized halal standards, strengthening their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets while helping address the limited availability of halal-certified establishments in key tourist destinations.
According to a statement from the Department of Trade and Industry in Western Visayas (DTI-6), halal certification was awarded to 20 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) producing processed foods, traditional delicacies and pharmaceutical products. The businesses successfully completed the rigorous requirements set out under the Philippine National Standards for Halal.
Certified enterprises include Sunshine’s Breadmart and Filbake Food Corporation from Aklan; Hamtic MPC and Belison MPC from Antique; Capiz Cacao Producers’ Cooperative, Progressive Women Agrarian Reform Cooperative and Fergie’s Food Products from Capiz; and Emhyu Food Products, Kitzsteinhorn Food Production, Kokomojo Mango Farm, NJST Fruit Farm and McNester Food Products from Guimaras.
Additional certifications were granted to Sunbursts Balay Tablea, Pharma Galen-X Innovations Inc., Einar’s Natural Food Export, Maridan Industries Inc., Kape Iloilo Coffee Trading, Al Di Foods Inc., Avanceña-Camiña Balay Nga Bato Inc. and Fiesta PH Bakery Products Manufacturing, all based in Iloilo.
DTI-6 said the halal certification is valid for three years, during which certified businesses are subject to strict compliance and monitoring requirements.
The certification process also included the formal signing of a Halal Certification and Monitoring Agreement (HCMA)between the MSMEs and the Philippine Ulama Congress Organization Incorporated (PHILULAMA). Under the agreement, the certifying body is authorized to conduct unannounced inspections and revoke certification if standards are not consistently maintained, safeguarding the integrity of the halal label.
“DTI-6 will continue to monitor these enterprises through local business counsellors to ensure they maintain world-class standards as representatives of Western Visayas in the global market,” the agency said.
The initiative began in 2024, when DTI-6 conducted regional orientations to introduce MSMEs to the global halal industry, which is projected to reach USD 4 trillion by 2028. Officials view the program as a strategic step in expanding export opportunities while positioning Western Visayas as a competitive player in the international halal economy.
Source:
Philippine News Agency. (2026). Over 150 local products in Western Visayas pass halal standard. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1266291
