Mindanao based Halal laboratory to meet global standards

MANILA (June
4) -- Prominent Halal stakeholders all over the world have gathered here today
for a three-day international conference and expo aimed to synergized efforts
in Halal development.

The Philippine
Halal Assembly and Expo which kicked off on June 3 and ends on Friday is
attended by international halal advocates, stakeholders and exhibitors.

Hundreds of
foreign delegates and product exhibitors all over the world came over to
showcase the products and share inputs, synergized efforts to the development of
Halal industry and tackle global concerns.

They were
joined by local producers and manufacturers who ventured into Halal market.

Among the key
Halal speakers were from Saudi Arabia, United States, United Kingdom, United
Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, South
Africa, Switzerland, Singapore, China, Bosnia, Egypt and other representatives
from different countries.

Topics raised
during the plenary sessions include Halal accreditation on unified standards
and solutions to harmonize global bodies, including the Halal standards for
manufacturers and exporters.

Among the
topics were Halal economy and the role of academe, Halal business, Halal
Tourism, Halal for a stronger World, Halal marketing and branding, Islamic
Finance and banking.

DOST-12 is operating
the first and the only Halal laboratory in the country and aims to serve as a
clearing house through laboratory tests to all Halal products exported to other
countries and to establish credibility of Halal exports.

DOST-12
Regional Director Dr. Zenaida Laidan, the lead convenor of international halal
assembly, said the gathering aims to ensure world-wide acceptance of Halal
products and boost consumer confidence and consumer satisfaction not limited
only to Muslim consumers,” she said.

The DOST Halal
laboratory is working on its accreditation for global halal standards adopting
the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Standards and Metrology Institute
of Islamic Countries (OIC-SMIIC). During the event, the standards were turned
over to DOST.

The activity and
the launching of Halal laboratory logo were hosted by DOST region 12 and DOST
national office with the support from the National Commission on Muslim
Filipino (NCMF), Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

A memorandum
of agreement was also signed between DOST represented by Secretary Mario
Montejo and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos represented by Secretary
Yasmin Lao to further strengthen the mandate of protecting and promoting the
Halal industry in the Philippines.

Halal production
is a fast-growing US$3 Trillion dollar market circulating around the world.