CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially launched dedicated Halal lanes across major supermarkets in the city over the weekend.

“Halal” is an Arabic word meaning “permissible” or “lawful” under Islamic Sharia law. While it applies to all aspects of life, it is most commonly associated with dietary guidelines.

The Halal Lane initiative aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Halal-certified products, promote compliance with City Ordinance No. 1447-2023, and tap into the growing Halal market. It also lays the foundation for developing Halal tourism in the region, ensuring that products meet standards verified by recognized Islamic certifying bodies. The presence of a Halal certification symbol indicates a product’s permissibility for Muslim consumers.

Participating retailers include Ororama Supercenter, Shopwise, Puregold, and Merrymart (Iponan and Bulua branches). The initiative is a collaborative effort among DTI-10, DTI Misamis Oriental, the Cagayan de Oro City Regulatory Compliance Board, the Oro Chamber, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Misamis Oriental Retailers Association (MISORA), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), and private sector partners.

DTI Misamis Oriental Provincial Director Jesusa Abear underscored that the promotion of Halal products reflects respect, inclusivity, and consumer empowerment — values that align with DTI’s mission to foster inclusive economic participation and support the Halal industry’s growth.

Muslim communities in the city welcomed the launch, emphasizing the importance of making Halal-certified products more visible and accessible, and ensuring compliance with local ordinances while promoting greater consumer awareness.

Abear added that DTI commends the major supermarkets for complying with City Ordinance No. 1447-2023.

"Promoting Halal is more than just legal compliance — it reflects respect, inclusivity, and consumer empowerment," she said.

She also thanked the Oro Chamber, the City Government, MISORA, NCMF, and retail partners for working together to make Cagayan de Oro more Halal-friendly.

"United efforts are helping build a culturally respectful and economically vibrant environment for all consumers," Abear stressed.

Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy, chairperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Regulatory Compliance Board, reaffirmed the local government’s support for the Muslim community. He said the passage of the Halal Ordinance marks a small but meaningful step toward making Cagayan de Oro not only Halal-friendly but also a place where businesses can work toward Halal certification.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by supermarkets in meeting certification requirements but affirmed that this initiative is an important beginning for the local business sector.

DTI Regional Director Ruel B. Paclipan congratulated all stakeholders involved in the initiative, with support from national agencies such as the NCMF and the private sector. He highlighted the launch as a key component of the recently approved Halal Strategic Development Framework Plan for Region 10, which focuses on three goals: increasing Halal product availability, raising the number of Halal-certified establishments, and boosting Halal exports to generate employment.

"The ongoing efforts aim to serve not only the Muslim community but also non-Muslim Halal consumers, encouraging more stores to participate and increase sales through visible Halal lanes," said Paclipan.

NCMF Regional Director Abdulnasser P. Masorong emphasized that the establishment of Halal initiatives marks a step toward inclusivity, cultural respect, and economic empowerment for the region’s Muslim population.

He thanked Mayor Rolando Klarex Uy and the City Council for passing the Halal Ordinance, which laid the foundation for this milestone. Masorong noted that the initiative benefits not only Muslim consumers but also Halal-certified producers and micro-entrepreneurs, reinforcing the city’s commitment to serving all sectors of society.

MISORA President Ivydan S. Pengson expressed the organization’s full support for expanding the number of participating stores, stressing that Halal lanes should eventually become standard rather than optional.

Pengson also thanked all involved in the project, noting that it gives retailers the opportunity to better serve the diverse needs of consumers through Halal-certified products.

DOT-10 Assistant Regional Director Decius L. Esmedalla said the Department of Tourism is working with local government units to promote Muslim-friendly accommodation facilities in the region. He shared that DOT-10 has created a training module for hospitality providers, covering key practices such as providing Qibla indicators, prayer areas, and culturally appropriate front-office service.

Local consumer Allan Gail Iman welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and economically vibrant environment for Muslim consumers. He said the growing attention to the Halal market reflects the increasing commitment of public and private stakeholders to inclusive practices.