Grab, NCMF Region XI partner for easier, more credible halal food discovery

Grab Philippines has partnered with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Region XI to make halal food discovery easier and more accurate for consumers when ordering food online.

Piloted in Davao City, this collaborative initiative equips the Grab app with enhanced search and filtering features, allowing consumers to confidently identify halal-certified and Muslim-owned restaurants that align with their dietary needs.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signing on September 9 at Bajada Suites in Davao City, bringing together key stakeholders from the Consulate Office of Malaysia, the City Government of Davao, NCMF Region 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, Grab Philippines vice president for Cities.

“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 Region XI in taking this practical step toward strengthening the local halal food ecosystem and ensuring Grab remains a trusted partner for diverse dietary needs."

With transparency and credibility as guiding principles, NCMF endorsement is required before Davao City-based halal merchants can be tagged as such on GrabFood. This helps ensure that consumers can make informed food choices that align with their needs.

When users search for “halal,” results will exclusively feature merchants vetted by halal certification bodies. The universal “Philippine Halal” logo will also appear on the merchant’s icon as an additional identifier.

Following NCMF endorsement, Muslim-owned merchants also have the option to display a "Muslim-owned" tag, enhancing their visibility and classification in relevant search results.

Furthermore, Grab is undertaking a clean-up of inaccurate or unsupported uses of the word “halal” in restaurant names, strengthening the platform’s integrity.

Building an inclusive food ecosystem

While the immediate focus remains on platform enhancements, Grab and NCMF Region XI are exploring future opportunities to strengthen the local halal ecosystem.

Potential collaborations under the MOU include halal 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 Region 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.”

With NCMF guiding the community’s interests and Grab adapting its technology to meet those needs, both organizations are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and credible halal ecosystem in Davao City.

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Editor’s Note: This announcement was provided by Grab Philippines.