DOST-ARMM to host Halal Congress

COTABATO CITY --In preparation to the ASEAN integration, the Department of Science and Technology in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DOST-ARMM) will conduct a Halal Congress in August this year to help propel the region’s bid to get a slice of the multi-billion global halal market. Myra Mangkabung, DOST-ARMM regional secretary, said the highlight of the congress will be the launching of the ARMM Halal Ecosystem (AHE), an inter-agency body that will oversee and coordinate the region’s efforts to become the hub of the halal industry in the country. She said the congress is expected to draw in participants from all stakeholders including various government agencies, local and foreign businesses, and foreign dignitaries particularly from Malaysia. Halal products from different manufacturers will also be exhibited during the congress. Halal products are those considered to be permissible in Islam, which are entirely free of pork, alcohol and, in case of poultry and livestock, slaughtered in accordance with what is prescribed in Islam. Mangkabung said the event will allow stakeholders to discuss the latest updates on halal industry development in the region. The ARMM aims to be the center hub of the halal industry, not only in the Muslim Mindanao but the entire country, she said. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman has assured his full support for the conduct of the activity and the region's halal industry. The development of the region’s halal industry is among the top economic agendas of the present ARMM administration. Apart from enforcing policies encouraging investment in and the development of halal ventures, the ARMM has put up a Regional Standards and Halal Testing Laboratory located at the DOST-ARMM regional office in Cotabato City. The testing lab is manned by highly-competent Muslim chemists, who undergone rigid trainings on halal laboratory procedures. It aspires to be the center of credible halal certification in the country. Cotabato City hosts the most modern, state of the art and only Double A Halal Slaugherhouse.