BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (PIA) - - Variants of coffee products in the province are now Hala certified, according to the officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Marietta Salviejo, DTI provincial director said the Robusta and Arabica variants of Bumolo’s Integrated Farm (BIF) in Kasibu and Tiblac Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (TFAC) in Ambaguio have been certified based on the recent Onsite Visit and Audit Activity conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) – Regional Field Office  in collaboration with the DTI.

She said the Halal certification proves that the coffee product has passed appropriate statutory and regulatory standards from preparation to packaging and handling and has complied with the dietary requirements of the Islamic lifestyle and quality, cleanliness, and health standards.

Salviejo said the certification will help the MSMEs open up new markets, particularly in Muslim-majority countries or regions with large Muslim populations, increase customer trust through the assurance to Muslim consumers that the products they are purchasing are prepared in accordance with Islamic principles and are free from any forbidden ingredients or practices,  gain competitive advantage,  improve food safety and quality as it requires strict adherence to hygiene and quality standards, and enhance brand reputation as a socially-responsible and ethical organization that values diversity and inclusivity.

“The certification team is scheduled to visit more provinces in Cagayan Valley for Halal Certification and Renewal. The Halal Certificates of the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in  Nueva Vizcaya are scheduled to be awarded next month,” she said. (MDCT/BME/PIA Nueva Vizcaya)