The Department of Trade and Industry-Northern Mindanao (DTI-10) and the local government of Cagayan de Oro City have rolled out halal-certified product lanes in major supermarkets and grocery stores in the city.

This move is in accordance with the city ordinance that encourages business establishments to dedicate express lane for halal-certified products for Muslim brothers and sisters.

“Sa ordinansa dili siya mandatory voluntary on the part of the business sector gi-encourage lang sila,” Atty. Jose Edgardo Uy, co-chairman of the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB), said.

Recently, personnel of DTI-10, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos-Northern Mindanao (NCMF-10), and the local government visited major establishments across the city to promote compliance with the ordinance.

DTI-10 said at least five big establishments have responded positively to the call, with one grocery store even installed a dedicated freezer for halal-certified frozen products.

“This activity ensures that halal-certified products ang more visible and trustworthy for our growing Muslim community and for all consumers who see halal as a mark quality, cleanliness and safety,” DTI-10 OIC Provincial Director, Jesusa Abear, said.

The initiative of DTI-10 and the local government was welcomed by officials of NCMF-10, calling it a milestone in promoting inclusivity and respect for the Muslim community.

“It is significant in promoting inclusivity and diversity and economic empowerment of our Muslim brothers and sisters in the region,” NCMF-10 Director, Abdulnasser Masorong Jr., said.