The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Joji Ilagan-Bian, chairperson of Joji Ilagan International Schools, and Anthony Sales, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology 11 (DOST 11), on Monday ushered in the commitment of both parties to bolster the Halal industry in the Davao Region.
The MOU signing, which was held at the ICHEF Restaurant in Davao City, was witnessed by Nicole Hao Bian-Ledesma, chief operating officer of Joji Ilagan International Schools, and Mirasol Domingo, provincial director/assistant regional director of the technical support services division of DOST 11.
DOST is implementing the DOST Halal S and T Program in support of the national goal of the Halal program in recognizing the significant role of exports in the national economic development, while JIIS owns the Institute of International Culinary and Hospitality Entrepreneurship (ICHEF), which has a certified Halal kitchen that provides an opportunity for entrepreneurs to engage in Halal business.
Among the goals of the partnership include providing Halal-compliant tourism-related products and services to meet customer delight; developing and implementing Halal-compliant and effective systems, processes, and protocols in support of the Halal tourism industry; and developing and enhancing human resources on Halal science, technology, and innovation for the Halal tourism industry.
The parties aim to carry out scientific and technological cooperation through joint research and development, conduct joint training and specialized training courses, and promotion of collaboration.
The parties will also execute modes of cooperation in the fields of Halal research and development, human resource development, Halal standards, and Halal verification and testing.
Sales reiterated the commitment of DOST being the program leader of the system-wide DOST Halal S and T program.
“Science Technology and Innovation (STI) initiatives are aligned to make Philippine Halal products more competitive through research and development, quality assurance measures, value-adding mechanisms, and human resource development,” Sales said.
“We reaffirmed our commitment in our advocacy to also contribute to making Mindanao a Halal center or a Halal hub for the Philippines,” Ledesma said.
Bian said Halal is a big contributor not only to economic development but also to regional development and countryside development providing opportunities to micro, small, or even large companies.
“I want JIB to be very active in Halal. Since we are very strong in academe already and very strong on educational partnerships I said why not put up a Halal kitchen? It was hard at the start because there were many challenges that we needed to hurdle plus the Covid. But finally, we were able to do it,” she said.
In 2022, ICHEF achieved significant milestones by obtaining certificates for “Catering” from PRIME Certification and Inspection Asia Pacific Inc.
These certifications ensure compliance with Halal standards, the International Code of Practice-General of Food Hygiene, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) standards.
