By Estrella Z. Gallardo
“Synergizing Halal thru S&T the events theme, is a statement of our determination to collaboration with local and international program in leveraging Science,Technology and Innovation to bring about on internationally accepted,regulatory framework for a reliable and credible Philippine Halal Premium and The Deparment of Science and Technology
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in collaborating with the National Commission for Muslim Filipina (NCMF) in priming up the country for the global Halal Industry signed a memorandum of agreement with NCMF on june 3, 2015 (opening of the 3-day event)of the Philippine Halal Assembly, DOST Regional Office No. XII held at Moriott Manila Grand Ballroom,Philippines, attended by atleast 1,500 participants from local and international Halal and none Halal groups.
The Moa between DOST and NCMF,represented by Sec. Montejo and NCMF Secretary Yasmin Busran-Lao,will establish the DOST OneLab as the NCMF’s official laboratory. OneLab is a DOST flagship program that makes all testing services of all DOST laboratories accessible to the public.
“We fully recognize and support the NCMF’s critical role in harmonizing government efforts” acknowledge Sec. Montejo. “And we are fully committed to fulfill our part in this whole-of government effort.” The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between DOST and NCMF.
The Halal market requires safe and wholesome products,and food and non-food items produced in DOST laboratories can conform to Halal standards.
“We have been working tirelessly and continuously invested in the latest state-of-the-art equiptment and facilities, as well as highly-qualified and sufficient technical manpower,”revealed Sec. Montejo. “This ultimately enabled the DOST-XII laboratory to provide quality and safety assurance to locally-produced and manufactured Halal products.”
DOST XII laboratory management system has been accredited according to the international Standardization Organization and International Electro technical Commision 17025:2005 standards, and is now duly certified under ISO 9001:2008 standards.
The DOST XII Laboratory also has a pending application for accreditation with the Turkish Accreditation Agency TURKAK, the head of the accreditation committee of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation-Standards Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries of OIC-SMIIC TURKAK is responsible for the Implementation of the SMIIC accreditation standards globally.
Further,DOSTs Food Innication Center (FIC) complements the OneLab. Currently established in three major cities in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, FICs are equipped with DOST-developed food processing technology,such as the water retort,vaccum,fryer, and spray dryer.
Aside from making these machines available to local enterprises, the FICs also enable food experts to develop and create new and innovative food products, enabling them to compete at the local and international market.
At the same time, food products produced in FICs can also be tested in Halal accredited laboratories, giving local products the opportunity to launch into the international Halal market Such development will contribute to the increase market share of the global Halal economy.
“Undeniably, the Philippnes is now faced with a great opportunity to tap into the global Halal economy,” Sec. Montejo said.(PSciJourn Megamanila)
