The Halal Program and Development Section of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform organized the 3rd Bangsamoro Agri-Fishery Halal Congress, which took place at Pagana Kutawato Native Restaurant in Cotabato City from December 8-12, 2024.
This year’s theme was “Enhancing the Agri-Fishery Value Chain: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Halal Food Industry Development.”
The five-day congress is part of an effort to tackle the ongoing issues and challenges affecting the halal food industry in the region, highlight its potential for fostering sustainable economic growth, and emphasize its crucial role in supporting local agri-fishery sectors.
DA Undersecretary for BARMM and Director of DA Halal Program Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan said that everything that is taught in our Muslim mind should be in accordance with the rules of the Qur’an.
“Dapat yung pananamit, pananalita natin halal, yung linalagay natin sa ating katawan dapat halal at yung mga nadadampian natin dapat ay Halal,” he said.
Moreover, Bangsamoro Director General for Agriculture Services, Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel also provided an update on the BARMM Food Security and Nutrition Roadmap.
He explained, “The BARMM economy is transitioning towards services, as the situation has stabilized and numerous opportunities have emerged. There has been a growth in labor and value-added activities, resulting in a two-digit reduction in poverty over just four years of transition.”
Engr. Saidona Lawan, Chief of Halal Program, said that this Halal congress serves as the venue to discuss the current challenges faced by the industry, In his message, DTI Philippine Halal Industry Development Program Manager Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal encouraged the delegates to develop and enrich local agri-products that could be showcased on international stages, such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025.
The event was attended by representatives from various offices, including MAFAR, LGUs, academic institutions, BRAFC/PAFC, Halal boards, and certifying bodies, as well as national and international delegates.
