GRAB Philippines has partnered with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) XI to make halal food discovery easier, more transparent, and more accurate for online food delivery consumers.
Piloted in Davao City, the collaborative initiative equips the Grab app with enhanced search and filtering features, allowing users to confidently locate halal-certified and Muslim-owned establishments tailored to their dietary requirements.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signing on Sept. 9 at Bajada Suites in Davao City. The event brought together key stakeholders from the Consulate Office of Malaysia, the City Government of Davao, NCMF XI, and Grab Philippines.
“Our vision is to build an inclusive platform that empowers consumers to make food choices with absolute confidence,” said RJ Cabaluna, vice president for cities at Grab Philippines. “That means going beyond basic food delivery and equipping our app with the right filters and verification systems needed by the Muslim community. We are proud to partner with NCMF XI in taking this practical step toward strengthening the local halal food ecosystem and ensuring Grab remains a trusted partner for diverse dietary needs.”
To preserve platform credibility, an NCMF endorsement is required before Davao City–based halal merchants can be tagged on GrabFood. The policy ensures that in-app searches for “halal” exclusively yield merchants verified by recognized halal certification bodies. As a visual identifier, the universal “Philippine Halal” logo will be displayed on certified merchant icons.
Following NCMF verification, Muslim-owned establishments also have the option to feature a dedicated “Muslim-owned” tag to improve classification and visibility in relevant search queries. Furthermore, Grab is actively auditing and removing inaccurate or unsupported uses of the word “halal” in restaurant listings to safeguard platform integrity.
Beyond immediate digital enhancements, Grab and NCMF XI plan to pursue broader initiatives under the MOU to support the local halal ecosystem, including merchant education, consumer awareness campaigns, and capacity-building sessions.
“This partnership goes beyond just an app feature—it is about respecting traditions and building a community where Muslim Filipinos and travelers can order food without worry or hesitation,” said Arch. Sherrila Porza-Sawah, regional director of NCMF XI.
“By working directly with a platform like Grab, we are reducing the barriers to discovering certified halal food and ensuring that our Muslim merchants and consumers are supported.”
By aligning NCMF’s regulatory guidance with Grab’s technology, both organizations aim to establish a stronger foundation for an inclusive and credible halal ecosystem across Davao City and the broader region.
