MAFAR promotes the halal industry in Bangsamoro Region

The promotion of the halal industry in the Bangsamoro region is set in motion as various representatives from state universities gathered for the 2nd Bangsamoro Halal Conference on Dec. 8-10, 2021.

The three-day conference, which opened Wednesday at the MAFAR-BARMM Covered Court, is part of an effort to discuss the current challenges faced by the sector affecting the Halal food industry in the region.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform Mohammad S. Yacob Ph.D, said that we need to establish a Halal development code in the region which will help increase Agriculture and Fisheries production where the majority of the population is Muslim.

“This will be accompanied by the further promotion of halal products and will also conduct training for our stakeholders to enhance and develop their understanding about Halal awareness,” he said.

Minister Yacob said that the Halal Congress would also be the venue to raise other topics concerning the improvement of the industry.

Engr. Saidona Lawan, Chief of the Halal program, said that the reason why we want to educate stakeholders, farmers, and fisherfolk here is that there is a big potential for halal industry in the region.

“Halal industry is growing very fast; thus, we are strengthening regulations on halal certification for their products,” he said.

The event is likewise highlighted by an exhibit that features halal-certified products brought in by participants from various provinces, including 63 barangays of SGA.

The 2nd halal congress guest speakers were Atty. Sukarno Abas of Ministry of Trade Investment and Tourism, Atty. Jamil L. Matalam DA Halal program head and Nasrodin U. Buisan from Ministry of Science and Technology.