Tantangan, South Cotabato—The Training on Halal-Multiplier Farm for Halal Practitioners of Region XII and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao commenced on April 28, 2026, at the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center XII. The activity brought together farmers, extension workers, and industry practitioners to address the growing requirements of the Halal sector. This program was organized in coordination with the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office XII and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform to ensure regional representation and industry alignment.

During the opening session, OIC-Center Director Dr. Jessie V. Beldia emphasized the necessity of strengthening Halal compliance to maximize economic opportunities within the industry. Technical Staff member Normuhaymin B. Arsad provided an overview of the training, outlining the expected outputs and the strategic importance of adopting standardized Halal practices. These introductory sessions established the technical framework for the subsequent curriculum.

In the afternoon, Engr. Tita B. Suib, Secretary of the Mindanao Halal Authority, Inc., facilitated discussions on the fundamentals of Halal agriculture, including standards and certification requirements. The lecture covered core concepts such as Halal, Haram, Mashbooh, and Tayyib, while detailing the intricacies of the certification process and international compliance standards. Participants gained foundational knowledge regarding the roles of certifying bodies and the regulatory landscape governing the industry.

This initiative serves to improve the capacity of local practitioners to operate within global Halal markets. By equipping stakeholders with the necessary regulatory and technical information, the training supports the development of compliant farming systems. This contributes to the broader economic development of the participants' local communities by enhancing their competitiveness and ensuring that agricultural products meet the standards required for the expanding Halal industry.