Business
DTI Region 6 Empowers MSMEs with Halal Certification, Opening Doors to Global Markets

Iloilo City- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 has once again proven its strong commitment to inclusive economic growth by successfully assisting 20 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Western Visayas in securing Halal Certificationโa major milestone that positions local businesses for expansion into both domestic and international markets.
The certification, awarded last week during a ceremony in Iloilo City, came after months of rigorous preparation involving documentation, capacity-building trainings, facility assessments, product testing, and compliance audits. Through this structured and guided process, participating MSMEs were able to elevate their operational standards to meet globally recognized Halal requirements.
This achievement opens the door to one of the worldโs fastest-growing consumer segments. The global Halal market, valued in the trillions of dollars, spans not only Muslim-majority countries but also diverse markets in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America where Halal-certified products are increasingly associated with quality, safety, and ethical production.

For Western Visayas MSMEs, this certification represents more than complianceโit is a strategic gateway to export readiness, product credibility, and long-term competitiveness. It also strengthens the regionโs position as an emerging hub for quality food and consumer goods that meet international standards.
DTI Region 6โs initiative underscores its proactive role in helping small businesses scale up, innovate, and compete beyond local markets. By investing in technical assistance, market education, and certification support, DTI continues to empower entrepreneurs to become globally competitive players.
The recognition ceremony in Iloilo City celebrated not only the certified enterprises but also the collective effort of government agencies, technical partners, and industry stakeholders who worked together to make this milestone possible.
As these 20 MSMEs take their next steps toward regional and global markets, their success stands as a testament to what strategic publicโprivate collaboration can achieve. The future of Western Visayas MSMEs looks promisingโdriven by quality, compliance, and a shared vision for inclusive economic growth.


