COTABATO CITY — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is bent to further improve production of Halal chevon or goat meat. This is to address the growing demand of the trade market, describing it as a “sunshine industry” due to its huge potential.
On Monday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-ARMM, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF-ARMM), conducted a workshop for entrepreneurs involved in Halal chevon industry.
Lawyer Anwar Malang, DTI-ARMM secretary, said the workshop was directed in line with the government’s efforts to make the ARMM as the country’s “Halal Hub”.
“The workshop was also aimed at exploring the wide array of market potential for Halal chevon production and to identify the gaps in its supply chain from production to marketing aspects,” Malang said.
Lawyer Ranibai Dilangalen, DAF-ARMM Undersecretary, said Halal was not only limited to the absence of pork ingredients in food as people should also be enlightened about Halal production for them to fully understand its basic principles.
The activity was conducted through the Philippine Rural Development Program I – Plan. It was attended by participants involved in the processing, production and marketing of goat meat within the region and government and nongovernmental institutions mandated to boost the development of the Halal industry in the region.
Meanwhile, as part of the region’s efforts in the development and promotion of the Halal industry, the Office of the Regional Governor released a memorandum directing all its offices and agencies to create programs, projects, missions and visions anchored on the ARMM Vision.
The ARMM Vision states that: “By 2040, the people in the Bangsamoro are self-governing with predominantly middle-class society living in safe communities, having a dynamic economy including a Halal ecosystem, enjoying inclusive peace and diverse cultures, who shall enhance sustainable development ensuring that responsibilities and benefits are shared by all.” (PR)