CLARK FREEPORT -- Guests and athlete-delegates from Muslim countries who are participating in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are assured that the food they eat comply with Halal Food Guidelines in accordance with the ICCI-IHI Alliance Halal Standard IHIAS 0200:2010.

The good insurance came after the Certificate of Shariah Compliance was awarded to the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) by the International Halal Integrity Alliance.

The awarding of the certificates was led by Prof. Dr. Hj. Abdul Rafek Saleh, Executive Director and Principal Halal Consultant for Malaysia Halal Consultation and Training Agency. Chef Bruce Lim, SEA Games 2019 Executive Chef, received the certificates on behalf of Phisgoc.

The awarding program was held at the Department of Science and Technology regional office in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga on November 29, 2019.

Witnessing the event were Chef Ramon Tang Jr., of Culinaria Pampanga; Prof. Jane Tranquilan; Miss Jonamarie Tingson, SEA Games 2019 Food Safety Manager; Dr. Maria Patricia Azanza, of the UP Diliman College of Home Economics; and DOST Central Luzon Director Dr. Julius Caesar Sicat; and DOST Davao Region Director Dr. Anthony Sales who is also the Project Leader of the DOST National Halal Program.

The certification was done under the Competency Building on Halal-HACCP and Its Prerequisite Programs for Personnel of Food Service and Manufacturing Industries in the Philippines: SEA Games 2019.

The certification came after a tedious and thorough process to make sure that the food served as well as the food sources and providers comply with Halal standards on quality, safety, hygiene and cleanliness.

The athletes are staying at the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac. (PR)