CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (February 10, 2026) — Fourteen micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northern Mindanao received Halal certificates during the 8th Regional Halal Committee Meeting on Feb. 4 at N Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City

The certifications were issued after the MSMEs completed requirements and evaluation under the Halal Certification Assistance Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-10.  

The program supports MSMEs in obtaining Halal certification to improve product credibility, expand market access, and strengthen the Halal ecosystem in Northern Mindanao.  

DTI-10 Regional Director Ruel Paclipan said the certification provides opportunities for market access.  

“We would like to encourage all our 14 certified MSMEs to really be aggressive insofar as accessing the market is concerned,” Paclipan said.

 The Halal-certified MSMEs were the following:  

Bukidnon: Mama Nene’s Homemade Delights; Toffe’s Tablea Manufacturing

Camiguin: Mama Jita’s Food Products

Lanao del Norte: Heaven’s Bakehaus; Laregina Coconut Products Manufacturing; Lozano Food Products; Summer Juice Manufacturing

Misamis Occidental: Nelly Coffee and Tablea

Misamis Oriental: A.M. Noble Nature’s Blessing Marketing Inc.; Agay-ayan Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Fire Star Dream Concoctions; Hinam-is and Cagayan de Oro’s Delight; Northern Mindanao Federation of Dairy Cooperative (Highland Fresh); S C Greengrocery and Food Processing  

“Dako kaayo ang pagpasalamat sa DTI sa kani nga achievement (We are very grateful to DTI for this achievement),” said Anna Paula Chiong, proprietor of Mama Nene’s Homemade Delights.  

 She recalled her plan to obtain Halal certification. Though initially delayed, she has now successfully achieved it.  

“Dili jud diay siya imposible. Pwede diay ta mangandoy bisan unsa kagamay (It’s not impossible. We really can dream, no matter how small),” she added.  

The Halal Certification Assistance Program is part of DTI-10’s efforts to promote and strengthen the Halal industry in Northern Mindanao and contribute to the implementation of the Regional Halal Framework. It also enhances consumer confidence, supports Muslim-friendly markets, and opens opportunities for domestic and export growth. (DTI-10/PIA-10)