Engr. Sammy Malawan, director of the Department of Science and Technology-Region 12. (PNA GenSan photo)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) are currently exploring possible collaboration for the development of more quality halal food products and the establishment of sustainable production areas in Region 12 (Soccsksargen), an official said.
Engr. Sammy Malawan, DOST-Region 12 director, said Monday he met with DA representatives led by Dr. Clint Hassan, the director for consumer affairs in Mindanao, to discuss various initiatives last week.
The initial discussions, he said, include the development of market-driven production of Halal food and other consumer products in the region, he said.
Malawan said they have been taking a proactive approach to the expansion of the halal industry and can directly provide the necessary science and technology services to DA.
"We are ready for the possible collaboration (on this) with DA," he said in a statement.
He said the DOST has been pushing for the development of Region 12 as a major production area for halal food and non-food products due to the availability of resources and quality raw materials.
Last year, the agency opened the Philippine National Halal Laboratory and Science Center, considered one of the country's modern halal testing facilities, in Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City.
The halal laboratory center was envisioned to spur the development of more locally-made products into halal premium brands compliant with internationally-accepted standards and requirements.
Aside from halal food production, Malawan said DA is also pushing to expand the halal center's testing services, which cover the testing of water, farm inputs, and other resources involved in halal production.
Halal is Arabic for “permissible” but is also largely referring to food that is allowed for consumption among Muslims.
In 2018, the Philippines exported around US$560 million worth of halal products, mainly food and beverage.
The country's halal food products include cereal, carrageenan, food additives, egg, edible fungus, flour and starch, food supplements, gelatin, ice cream and dairy, noodle and pasta, nut, oil and coconut by-products, poultry, processed fruit, vegetable, and seafood. (PNA)
