BARMM Health Minister and Member of Parliament Dr. Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding, Jr. recently welcomed officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Central Office of the Department of Health (DOH) to the Bangsamoro Government Center.
The courtesy call, held on November 7, emphasized collaborative efforts toward enhancing health standards and included discussions on the importance of Halal certification for products in the Bangsamoro region.
The visit was part of a larger initiative, which included a Training Program Module 1 for the Initial Workforce of BARMM Inspectors, aimed at equipping select MOH-BARMM personnel with essential skills for regulatory compliance.
The FDA delegation, represented by Ms. Carolyn P. Custodio, RPh FDRO V (South Luzon Cluster), Ms. Sharon Rose P. Garcia, MSc, OIC-Director II/FDRO V (Mindanao West Cluster), and Mr. Jude M. Jayag, Licensing Officer II (Mindanao West Cluster), engaged in discussions about forming a dedicated pool of inspectors to advance the region’s health and safety standards.
Minister Sinolinding expressed strong support for including Halal certification in the regulatory framework, highlighting its critical role for the Bangsamoro community.
“I want to institutionalize this undertaking, ensuring compliance with DOH and FDA requirements. With your guidance, we can achieve this goal, InshaAllah,” he remarked.
As Halal-certified products continue to gain importance in the region, this collaboration aims to create a robust regulatory environment that aligns with Islamic principles, ensuring that products meet both health and Halal standards. This step represents a commitment to both quality assurance and cultural inclusivity, vital for the Bangsamoro’s economic and social well-being.
