Bangsamoro Standards and Halal Testing Laboratories - BSHTL

26/08/2026

𝗦 & 𝗧 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗕𝗦𝗧𝗪 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

As part of the 2026 Bangsamoro Science and Technology Week (BSTW), the Bangsamoro Government's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST-BARMM) conducted a series of technical lectures aimed at enhancing knowledge and capacities in food safety, Halal awareness, microbiological testing, nutritional labeling, and shelf-life testing.

The lecture series featured experts from MOST-BARMM and the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), providing participants with valuable insights on scientific approaches to ensuring food quality, public health, and consumer protection.

The afternoon session opened with an Introduction to Food Safety and Halal Awareness, highlighting the importance of food safety standards and Halal compliance in safeguarding public health and enhancing the competitiveness of local food industries.

Participants also attended a technical lecture on Enhancing LGU Capacity for Drinking Water and Food Safety through Microbiological Testing, which emphasized the vital role of microbiological analysis in monitoring water quality and ensuring safe food production within local government units.

Another session focused on Enhancing LGU Capacity for Nutritional Labelling, where participants learned about the significance of accurate nutritional information in helping consumers make informed food choices while supporting compliance with national food regulations.

Completing the lecture series was a discussion on Understanding the Importance of Shelf-Life Testing, which underscored the scientific methods used to determine product shelf life, maintain food quality, reduce waste, and strengthen consumer confidence in locally manufactured products.

Through these technical lectures, MOST-BARMM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting science-based solutions that support food safety, public health, Halal development, and the capacity-building of local government units and stakeholders. The activity also strengthened collaboration among government agencies, researchers, food producers, and industry partners in advancing science, technology, and innovation for the benefit of the Bangsamoro.

The technical lecture series forms part of MOST-BARMM's continuing efforts to build a resilient, informed, and innovation-driven Bangsamoro by making scientific knowledge more accessible and responsive to the needs of communities and industries.




[Information and Communication]

26/08/2026

𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗖𝗜𝗣 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗢𝗦𝗧-𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗠 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼

The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST-BARMM) reinforced its commitment to advancing the region’s Halal industry through the Ceremonial Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines (HICCIP) during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Bangsamoro Science and Technology Week (BSTW) held at KCC Mall of Cotabato on August 25.

The partnership signifies a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration in Halal science, standards, testing, certification, and quality assurance across the Bangsamoro Region. Through the agreement, MOST-BARMM and HICCIP will work together to enhance technical cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange, and strengthen institutional support for the development of a robust and sustainable Halal ecosystem in BARMM.

The ceremonial signing also highlights MOST-BARMM’s continuing efforts to position the Bangsamoro as a center for Halal science, technology, and innovation by promoting research, laboratory services, technical expertise, and industry development that can support local enterprises and provide greater assurance to Halal consumers.

The partnership further underscores the importance of collaboration among government institutions, Halal certifying bodies, industry stakeholders, and other partners in establishing a credible, competitive, and internationally recognized Halal industry in the Bangsamoro.

Through stronger institutional partnerships and science- and technology-driven initiatives, MOST-BARMM continues to support the development of a Halal ecosystem that creates opportunities for businesses, strengthens consumer confidence, and contributes to the region’s inclusive and sustainable economic growth.






[Information and Communication]

26/08/2026

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗠

The Bangsamoro Government's Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST-BARMM) officially launched its Bangsamoro Standards and Halal Testing Laboratories' Shelf-Life Laboratory during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Bangsamoro Science and Technology Week (BSTW) held at KCC Mall of Cotabato on August 25, 2026.

The establishment of the Shelf-Life Laboratory marks another milestone in strengthening the Bangsamoro's food safety and quality assurance initiatives. The laboratory aims to provide scientific testing services that determine the shelf life and stability of food products, enabling local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), food processors, and entrepreneurs to improve product quality, comply with regulatory requirements, and expand market opportunities.

The initiative also supports the ministry's commitment to promoting science-based solutions that enhance food safety, consumer protection, and the competitiveness of locally produced products.

The launching forms part of MOST-BARMM's continuing efforts to expand scientific infrastructure and laboratory services in support of innovation, industry development, and sustainable economic growth throughout the Bangsamoro Region.




[Information and Communication]

26/08/2026

𝑺𝑰𝑮𝑵𝑬𝑫 & 𝑺𝑬𝑨𝑳𝑬𝑫: 𝑴𝑶𝑺𝑻-𝑩𝑨𝑹𝑴𝑴 𝑩𝑺𝑯𝑻𝑳 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝑰𝑪𝑪𝑰𝑷 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 🤝✨

A significant step toward strengthening the credibility and global recognition of halal certification in the country was marked during the Bangsamoro Science and Technology Week (BSTW) 2026, as the Ministry of Science and Technology – Bangsamoro Standards and Halal Testing Laboratories (MOST-BARMM BSHTL) and the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines, Inc. (HICCIP) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Under the partnership, the MOST-BARMM BSHTL Halal Verification Laboratory (HVL) will serve as HICCIP’s official Halal Verification Laboratory partner in support of its halal certification activities.

The partnership is particularly significant as Halal Certifying Bodies seeking accreditation with the Department of Trade and Industry – Philippine Accreditation Bureau (DTI-PAB) are required to establish partnership with a competent Halal Verification Laboratory as part of the accreditation requirements. This is essential in ensuring that halal certification is supported by competent, reliable, and science-based laboratory verification.

The collaboration between HICCIP and MOST-BARMM BSHTL Halal Verification Laboratory therefore strengthens the link between halal certification and laboratory-based verification, helping ensure that halal claims are supported by appropriate scientific testing.

Anchored on Republic Act No. 10817, or the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016, this partnership contributes to the development of a more credible and internationally aligned halal certification system, supporting the goal of making Philippine halal products more competitive in the global market.

Through this MOU, MOST-BARMM BSHTL and HICCIP reaffirm their commitment to quality, integrity, competence, and confidence in halal certification, while opening greater opportunities for halal enterprises and MSMEs in the Bangsamoro and beyond.

Signed. Sealed. Strengthening the foundation of a trusted Philippine Halal Certification system. 🤝✨

26/08/2026

𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒐: 𝑩𝑺𝑻𝑾 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑳𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔

The Ministry of Science and Technology – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOST-BARMM), through the Bangsamoro Standards and Halal Testing Laboratories (BSHTL), successfully conducted the Technical Lecture Series as part of the Bangsamoro Science and Technology Week (BSTW) 2026.

Bringing together participants from national and regional government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs), health offices, sanitary inspectors, laboratories, MSMEs and businesses, the academe, and other stakeholders, the activity served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building on critical concerns related to food safety, water safety, halal awareness, and consumer protection.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Rugaya H. Abdullah-Magandia, RCh, Chief of the Integrated Laboratory Division, emphasized the importance of collective action in safeguarding public health, emphasizing:

“These topics are especially important because ensuring food and water safety is not the responsibility of one institution alone. It requires collaboration among national and regional agencies, LGUs, health offices, sanitary inspectors, laboratories, businesses, and the communities we serve.”

The Technical Lecture Series featured four timely and relevant topics. Ms. Bea Hannah Kashmira U. Midtimbang, Technology Transfer Section Head of MOST-BARMM discussed Food Safety and Halal Awareness, highlighting fundamental food safety principles and the significance of halal practices in ensuring safe, wholesome, and compliant products.

This was followed by Drinking Water & Food Safety through Microbiological Testing, presented by Ms. Christine Eden C. Sevilla, RMicro, Laboratory Manager of Microbiology Laboratory at DOST-FNRI’s Service Laboratory, which provided participants with insights into the importance of microbiological analysis in assessing the safety and quality of food and drinking water.

The discussion on Nutritional Labelling, delivered by Ms. Sheryl O. Gulla, RCh, PFT, Deputy Laboratory Manager of the Chemical Laboratory at DOST-FNRI’s Service Laboratory, focused on the importance of accurate and meaningful nutrition information in helping consumers make informed choices and supporting businesses in meeting labelling requirements.

Rounding out the series was Understanding the Importance of Shelf-Life Testing, presented by Ms. Jenemaire R. Sobejana-Pablo, Laboratory Analyst of the recently launched Shelf-Life Laboratory of MOST-BARMM, which highlighted how shelf-life testing helps establish the quality, safety, stability, and appropriate storage period of food products.

Through these discussions, the Technical Lecture Series provided participants with practical, science-based knowledge that can be translated into better practices within their respective institutions, businesses, and communities.

More than simply sharing technical information, the activity strengthened connections among the different sectors working toward a common goal: protecting the health and well-being of the Bangsamoro people.

MOST-BARMM extends its sincere appreciation to all the distinguished speakers, participants, partners, and organizers who made the Technical Lecture Series a meaningful and successful learning platform.

Together, through collaboration, knowledge, and science, we continue building capacities for a safer, healthier, and more resilient Bangsamoro. 💚🔬

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

And we’re officially OPEN! 🚀

The Bangsamoro Science and Technology Week (BSTW) 2026 is officially underway! 🎊

Today, we celebrate the power of science, technology, and innovation in shaping a smarter, safer, and more progressive Bangsamoro.

Join us as we bring science closer to our communities through exciting activities, interactive exhibits, technology demonstrations, laboratory services, and learning opportunities for everyone! 🔬🌱⚙️

📍 KCC Convention Hall, KCC Mall of Cotabato
📅 August 25–27, 2026

Come and be part of the celebration! TARA, G! 💙✨

24/08/2026

𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗴𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗼. 𝗔 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻! 🚀

The countdown is on! BSTW 2026 is bringing three exciting days of science, technology, innovation, research, and meaningful partnerships right to the heart of the Bangsamoro! 💛

📅 AUGUST 25–27, 2026
📍 KCC Mall of Cotabato, Cotabato City, BARMM

From the official opening and exhibit booths to exciting launches, research showcases, success stories, and ceremonial partnerships, there’s a lot in store for everyone! 🌟

SCAN THE QR CODE and get a glimpse of the official 3-Day Program of Activities so you won’t miss the highlights!

See you at BSTW 2026!

Where Science Meets Innovation, and Innovation Creates Impact.