By Ria Sylene C. Reyes
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) —including DOST CALABARZON, DOST- National Capital Region, DOST – PTRI, and DOST ITDI—participated in the Halal Festival, held as part of the World Hijab Day 2026 celebration with the theme “Celebrating Identity, Empowering Women, and Advancing Inclusive Growth,” from February 2 to 4, 2026, at the South Wing Lobby, House of Representatives of the Philippines.
As part of the exhibit, DOST-CALABARZON showcased the services of the DOST Halal Verification Laboratory (HVL), which provides testing services and ensures that products comply with Halal requirements. Specifically, porcine analysis to detect pork DNA in food and feed products and alcohol analysis—such as ethanol, methanol, and isopropanol in food and personal care products. Aside from testing, the HVL also offers free halal awareness training.
Moreover, the organization showcased Halal-certified products supported under the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), namely:
– Mira’s Food and Agriventures, Inc.
– Ginga Agrifood Manufacturing Enterprise
– Prime Innov8 Manufacturing Co.
– Blue Macay Food Manufacturing Corporation
– Green Life Coco Products
– Puchi Shoestring Bananas
– Tropical Palm Herb Manufacturing
– Pasciolco Agri Ventures Ms. Dang Baylon, Sales Manager of Pasciolco Agri Ventures, shared that they recorded higher sales during the three-day exhibit and are now able to export their products, highlighting the benefits of being Halal-certified. She further stated, “Malaking advantage talaga ang pagiging Halal-certified dahil mas nakikilala ang iyong negosyo.” Pasciolco Agri Ventures, along with C&H Cosmetic Industry, are SETUP-assisted firms that were invited as exhibitors.||
