Depok – The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) conducted an intensive halal and food safety capacity-building program targeting small businesses and government officials in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) from August 18-19, 2025. The two day training workshop took place in Pikit, North Cotabato, bringing together 40 micro, small, and medium enterprises alongside representatives from eight SGA local government units.

Addressing Critical Knowledge Gaps in Food Safety Standards

According to Monawara Abdulbadie, who heads MOST’s Science and Technology Services Division, the training addresses a vital need within newly established SGA local governments. The program particularly focuses on enhancing the capabilities of sanitary inspectors who play crucial roles in the permit approval process for food related businesses.

“The timing of this initiative is essential as these inspectors need comprehensive food safety knowledge before they can properly evaluate and approve business permits for food establishments in their respective areas,” Abdulbadie explained.

Comprehensive Curriculum Covering Industry Best Practices

The training program delivered extensive coverage of critical topics including:

• Fundamental halal principles and compliance requirements
• Essential food safety protocols and procedures
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) implementation
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) systems

Participants gained practical knowledge about proper food handling techniques, understanding of cultural and religious halal standards, and standardized approaches to maintaining cleanliness, quality control, and consumer protection.

Support Services and Business Development Opportunities

Beyond knowledge transfer, MOST offers ongoing assistance to participating enterprises. Abdulbadie outlined several support mechanisms available to MSMEs, including guidance for obtaining halal certification, assistance with Food and Drug Administration licensing procedures, and provision of production equipment to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

Real-World Impact and Participant Perspectives

The training’s practical value was evident in participant feedback. Hamida Norudin, representing the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Kababaihan sa Inged na Balong Association (SANGKAIBA), described how the program transformed her approach to food safety practices.

“The knowledge I’ve gained will be shared with my colleagues back home. We’ve learned that our previous understanding of cleanliness standards needed significant improvement. Simple practices like using separate chopping boards for different food types were revelations for us,” Norudin shared.

Her association, which specializes in producing tilapia lamayo (a marinated and semi-dried fish product), is now seeking MOST’s technical assistance. They are particularly interested in acquiring proper fish drying equipment to replace their current makeshift methods using fishnets, as well as establishing dedicated production and storage facilities to move beyond home based operations.

Strategic Alignment with Regional Development Goals

This capacity-building initiative supports the broader objectives of the Bangsamoro Government’s strategy to establish the region as a significant player in the halal industry. The program aligns with the upcoming launch of the Bangsamoro Halal Industry Development Plan (BHIDP) 2024-2028, a comprehensive framework designed to integrate BARMM’s halal sector with the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) economic cooperation initiative.

Through this systematic approach to skills development and industry standardization, MOST is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth in the region’s halal food sector while ensuring compliance with both local and international quality standards.

Original Article:

Bangsamoro Information Office. (2025, September 2). MOST equips SGA MSMEs & LGUs with skills to drive BARMM halal industry. Bangsamoro.gov.ph. Retrieved from https://bangsamoro.gov.ph/news/latest-news/most-equips-sga-msmes-lgus-with-skills-to-drive-barmm-halal-industry/