GENERAL SANTOS CITY — To strengthen the country’s growing halal ecosystem, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is set to hold a dedicated halal forum during the 2026 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW).

The event will take place on November 27, 2026, at the Green Leaf Hotel in General Santos City. It aims to bring together micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), industry players, academics, and government agencies to explore opportunities in the expanding halal market.

Spearheaded by DOST-SOCCSKSARGEN, the forum highlights General Santos City's strategic role as one of four locations housing the nation's Halal Verification Laboratories (HVL). The facility is designed to assist local businesses in navigating the verification process and securing official halal certification.

Expanding Reach and Certifications

"We are providing assistance so that we can have more certified halal products," said DOST-SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Sammy P. Malawan. He added that the agency has signed a memorandum of agreement with various accreditors and certifying bodies, allowing products from other regions to be verified through their services.

As part of nationwide efforts to scale up the sector, DOST-Davao Regional Director Anthony C. Sales announced that the agency is reviving its Halal Science and Technology program. The initiative will deliver essential training and consultancy services to halal-compliant establishments.

"We have started with halal food processing, followed by halal tourism, and we want to expand to other industry sectors," Sales noted.

With these enhanced testing facilities, strategic partnerships, and ongoing capacity-building programs, the DOST aims to empower local entrepreneurs and position the Philippines to better tap into the lucrative global halal market.

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