The Department of Tourism in the Caraga Region (DOT-13) is intensifying its halal awareness campaign among tourism establishments in Surigao del Norte’s Siargao Island.

In a statement Wednesday, the DOT-13 said at least 30 owners and representatives from various tourism-related establishments on the island completed the two-day orientation on halal certification guidelines and Muslim-friendly tourism establishments held in General Luna town.

“The activity is in line with the Department’s efforts to increase awareness and understanding of Halal accreditation guidelines among food establishments and local government units,” the DOT-13 said of the orientation that concluded on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting also highlighted the potential of the halal industry market and encouraged establishments in Siargao Island to become halal-certified.

The 30 participants had undergone lectures on the fundamentals of halal foods and certification that were discussed by Jeron Manuel Antoling, a resource speaker from the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines.

Another resource speaker, Al-Mahdi Isahac Jul-Ahmad, from the Department of Trade and Industry-Export Marketing Bureau, also talked about the halal industry’s overview and market opportunities.

The insights on Halal Assurance System and Halal Management System were also discussed with the participants by personnel from the Department of Science and Technology from the Davao Region. (PNA)