Halal lab to rise in Koronadal early next year

DAVAO CITY — The Department of Science and Technology in
Central Mindanao is rushing the construction of a P50-million laboratory
complex in Koronadal, South Cotabato which will be the main halal
certification facility in the country, said Zenaida P. Laidan, the
department’s regional director.

Ms. Laidan expects the lab to open in the first quarter of next year
which, when completed, will handle halal’s technical aspects, while the
ulama-led Islamic Authority will take care of the religious aspects to
meet global standards for accreditation.

She said the laboratory, part of the “Philippine Science and
Technology Program for the Development of the Halal Industry,” will
also certify products from other private laboratories. Among the
requirements is the employment of Muslim scientists who will conduct the
tests or, at least, Muslims supervisors to oversee the testing.