The Department of Science and Technology – Bicol (DOST-Bicol) has taken a significant step towards enhancing Halal certification and auditing capabilities in the region. On December 2-5, 2024, two members of the DOST-Bicol Food Safety Team (DOST-BFST), Ms. Angelyn Otilla, Senior Science Research Specialist from PSTO-Camarines Sur, and Mr. Bon Carlo D. Salonga, Science Research Specialist II from PSTO-Sorsogon, successfully completed the DOST Lead Halal Auditor Training and Certification Program. The training was held at Bajada Suites, Davao City, under the Department of Science and Technology Region XI (DOST XI).
Organized as part of the “DOST Lead Halal Auditor Training and Certification Program (LAHAT) 2024-2026,” the training was conducted in collaboration with the Malaysian Halal Consultancy and Training Agency (MHCT) and the International Halal Integrity Alliance (IHIA). The program aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct thorough and effective Halal audits, in line with international standards.
Throughout the program, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of key topics in Halal certification, including the MS 1500-2019 Malaysian Halal Standard, guidelines for Halal Assurance Management Systems, and Islamic Shariah principles that form the foundation of Halal food practices. They were also trained in developing Food Safety Assurance Plans for Halal Certification and identifying Halal Compliance Critical Control Points (HCCCP) during audits.
The certification of Ms. Otilla and Mr. Salonga as Halal Lead Auditors significantly strengthens DOST-Bicol’s ability to support the growing Halal industry in the region. With their new credentials, they are now qualified to ensure that local food establishments meet global Halal standards, thus safeguarding the integrity of Halal-certified products in Bicol.
This achievement underscores DOST-Bicol’s ongoing commitment to advancing the Halal industry and empowering its personnel with the expertise needed to uphold the highest standards of Halal certification and integrity. The successful completion of this training initiative was made possible through the support of the Office of the Undersecretary for Scientific and Technical Services (OUSEC-STS) and the Office of the Undersecretary for Regional Operations (OUSEC-RO).
The certification of DOST-Bicol’s food safety experts highlights the region’s increasing role in supporting Halal food safety, and further solidifies its commitment to advancing scientific research and technological development for the benefit of local communities.
