The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) successfully organized the 3rd Bangsamoro Agri-Fishery Halal Congress from December 8-12, 2024, focusing on strengthening the halal food industry in the region. This year’s theme, “Enhancing the Agri-Fishery Value Chain: Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Halal Food Industry Development,” gathered key stakeholders to discuss the ongoing issues and explore opportunities for the sector’s growth.
During the five-day congress, participants addressed critical challenges facing the halal food industry while also underscoring its potential to drive economic growth and support local agri-fishery sectors. Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, DA Undersecretary for BARMM and Director of the DA Halal Program, emphasized the importance of ensuring that every aspect of life aligns with the teachings of the Qur’an.
He stated, “Dapat yung pananamit, pananalita natin halal, yung linalagay natin sa ating katawan dapat halal at yung mga nadadampian natin dapat ay Halal.”
Additionally, Engr. Ismail A. Guiamel, Bangsamoro Director General for Agriculture Services, provided an update on the BARMM Food Security and Nutrition Roadmap, highlighting the region’s ongoing transition toward services and its growing economic stability.
“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,” Guiamel explained.
The congress also served as a platform to discuss the current challenges facing the halal industry, with input from various stakeholders. DTI Philippine Halal Industry Development Program Manager, Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, encouraged delegates to develop and promote local agri-products for international platforms such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025.
Representatives from MAFAR, local government units, academic institutions, Halal certifying bodies, and other key organizations attended the event, reflecting the collective commitment to advancing the halal food industry in the Bangsamoro region.
