DAVAO del Norte is pushing for accreditation of businesses and establishments to expand Halal tourism.
With this, the province is set to host the Malaysia (MYExpo) from Oct. 16 to 18, 2026, where business leaders from Malaysia and other Muslim-majority countries are expected to participate.
In an ambush interview last Aug. 14 at Park Inn by Radisson here, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib said the event is organized in coordination with Malaysian partners and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA).
Jubahib said that the trade exposition is designed to spur local economic growth by attracting foreign investments and boosting regional tourism.
“This will significantly help Davao del Norte and the Davao Region by bringing in additional tourism and investment, as foreign delegates explore opportunities to establish their businesses here,” Jubahib said.
Beyond trade displays, the expo is eyed to establish a streamlined Halal accreditation system for local businesses.
Philippine organizers are collaborating with Malaysian authorities to accredit local food establishments, slaughterhouses, livestock facilities, and restaurants in accordance with the standards of Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM).
The event will feature trade showcases and business-matching sessions with Malaysian companies and local businesses.
A capacity-building program is also incorporated in the expo to help regional micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) enter the global Halal market.
The 2026 MYExpo in Davao del Norte is an offshoot of the three-day royal visit of His Highness Tengku Dato’ Setia Putra Al-Haj bin Tengku Azman Shah Al-Haj, a member of the Selangor and Kelantan royal families in Malaysia.
The Malaysian prince was the guest of honor during the celebration of the 59th Araw ng Davao del Norte and the 7th State of the Province Address (SOPA) of Jubahib last July 1, 2026.
The event is expected to convene more than 500 investors, government agencies, trade associations, chambers of commerce, policymakers, and business leaders from both Malaysia and the Philippines.
