Cavite-based small enterprises Absmush Mushroom and Project Beans Trading received
Halal Certification from the Malaysian Halal Consultation and Training Agency –
International Halal Integrity Alliance (MHCTA-IHIA) for Halal Standards. Executive Director
Prof. Dr. Rafek Saleh of the MHCTA-IHIA and Director/Consultant Dr. Jane Tranquilan of
the MHCT-Philippines personally awarded the certificates to Ms. Mharlyn Rubrico, owner of
Absmush, and Mr. Alvin Causing, owner of Project Beans.
The Department of Science and Technology – CALABARZON (DOST-CALABARZON)
through Assistant Regional Director Engr. Francisco R. Barquilla III, Halal Project
Coordinator Ms. Agnes Morales, and DOST-Cavite Provincial S&T Director Ms. Gilda S. De
Jesus facilitated the awarding ceremony.
During the awarding, Ms. De Jesus delivered a message in continuous support of the improvement of business operations of the two enterprises and other Cavite-based small
businesses through the introduction of S&T interventions. She also highlighted the importance of food safety and Halal Certification in gaining more access in Islamic markets.
Engr. Barquilla also expressed his gratitude to Dr. Saleh and Dr. Tranquilan for their
assistance to the DOST-CALABARZON and to the two featured enterprises in the
achievement of the Halal Certification of the latter. He noted the value of this Certification
as proof of hard work and commitment to achieve high quality products.
Ms. Rubrico of Absmush thanked DOST-CALABARZON and MHCTA-IHIA, and said that
the certification would not only enhance customer confidence in their products but also
open market opportunities with great potential for growth. Similarly, Mr. Causing of Project
Beans shared that “this Certificate symbolizes [not only] our seal of compliance to Halal
standards [but also] our perseverance to achieve this feat.”
In her closing message, Ms. Morales recalled that when she and the team started to
advocate about the Halal program, nobody seemed to be concerned, until Absmush and
Project Beans heeded the call to undergo the Halal Certification process. “Their dedication
and determination paved the way on achieving this far—to be Halal certified with products
that conform to Halal standards.”| – BNN
