In a landmark move for Marinduque’s business sector, five local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) received their official Halal and HACCP certifications on April 30, 2025, marking a significant step forward for the province in food safety and global market readiness. The certification awarding ceremony, held at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) OSEC Conference Room in Makati City, stands as a milestone achievement under the Tatak Pinoy Program, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening Filipino enterprises for international competitiveness.

This initiative, spearheaded by DTI Marinduque in partnership with DTI MIMAROPA under the DTI Tatak Pinoy Strategy Program, is part of a broader national effort through the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic Plan 2024–2028. Recognizing the growing demand for certified products in both local and global Halal markets, the program equipped participating MSMEs with internationally accepted food safety and Halal compliance standards.

The journey began in August 2024 when a proposal for Halal certification program was submitted by DTI Marinduque. The project secured approval by November 2024, and by December, implementation was underway. Partnering with Prime Inspection and Certification Asia Pacific Inc., DTI delivered technical assistance, Halal and HACCP training, on-site audits, and product testing services for MSMEs aiming to enter new market frontiers.

After months of diligent preparation, training, and two stages of rigorous auditing, Heart of Islands Holdings Inc., Marinduqueland Corporation, Rejano’s Bakery, Three Sisters Homemade Banana Chips, and Marbello Enterprises proudly received their certifications during the awarding ceremony. Gracing the event was DTI Chief of Staff, ASEC Englebert C. Chua, who delivered inspirational remarks highlighting the program’s alignment with the government’s Tatak Pinoy agenda, an initiative to build stronger, globally competitive Filipino brands.

“This milestone is more than a certification, it’s a ticket for our MSMEs to access wider, Halal-conscious markets here and abroad,” said ENP Amormio CJS Benter, CESE, Regional Director of DTI MIMAROPA, during his opening message. “We aim to not only meet but exceed international standards while remaining rooted in local pride and craftsmanship.”

The bundled service offered by Prime Certification, combining Halal and HACCP certification in one streamlined process, was instrumental in making the program accessible and manageable for MSMEs. It reduced administrative hurdles, cut costs, and allowed enterprises to focus on meeting quality and safety benchmarks.

For the MSMEs, this recognition opens doors to new markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Halal-sensitive communities worldwide. Ms. Carmelita R. Reyes of Rejano’s Bakery, representing the certified enterprises, expressed her gratitude: “This certification will help our products travel beyond Marinduque, proudly carrying the Tatak Pinoy brand wherever they go.”

The successful execution of this project underscores the importance of collaboration between government, certifying bodies, and the private sector in achieving inclusive economic growth. It also sets a precedent for other provinces and regions to adopt similar programs under the Tatak Pinoy banner.

This awarding is more than a culmination, it is a beginning. A testament to the resilience and adaptability of Marinduque’s enterprises, and a reaffirmation of DTI’s commitment to making Filipino products world-class and proudly Tatak Pinoy. ♦

Date of Release: 13 May 2025