The Halal industry has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors not only in the Philippines but across the globe, driven by the increasing demand for Halal-certified products that meet religious, ethical, and health standards. In particular, the agriculture and food production sector plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity and compliance of products intended for Muslim consumers. With the rise in awareness and adherence to Halal standards, there is a pressing need to capacitate stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to integrate Halal principles in every step of the agricultural value chain.
The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center IX (ATI-RTC IX) successfully conducted a Training on Halal-Compliant Agriculture Production on June 18–20, 2025 at Hotel Guillermo, Pagadian City. This training was part of the Center’s continuing effort to support the development and promotion of the Halal industry in Zamboanga Peninsula, a region that has shown significant potential in aligning agricultural practices with Halal standards, particularly due to its substantial Muslim population and the growing interest among producers in tapping into the Halal market.
The primary objective of the training was to enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of stakeholders on Halal agricultural standards; assess the compliance of existing agricultural practices with Halal requirements; and formulate strategies to advocate and implement Halal-compliant agriculture within local farming communities, producers, and agribusinesses. The initiative also address the existing gaps in awareness and technical understanding, thereby contributing to the broader goal of strengthening the regional Halal ecosystem.
A total of 30 participants from the Bangsamoro Provincial Consultative Council (BPCC) representing various chapters in Zamboanga del Sur actively engaged in the 3-day training. These participants play a crucial role in bridging the policy and grassroots implementation of Halal initiatives, making their upskilling essential to advancing the Halal agenda in the region.
The training featured a pool of highly esteemed Islamic scholars and technical experts who served as resource persons. Their combined religious authority and practical knowledge provided the participants with a holistic understanding of Halal as both a spiritual and operational standard in agriculture. The distinguished speakers included, Sheikh AbdulKhaber Gandawali, Ph.D. ; Sheikh Norudin M. Mantolino, MPA; Sheikh Nashrie A. Onsing; Sheikh Harakan U. Calalagan, Al-Haj; Lucman L. Latip , and Reynaldo A. Beduya.
The sessions covered a comprehensive set of topics, including the Islamic basis of Halal, Halal practices in crop and livestock production, Halal in food processing and postharvest operations, and strategies for advocacy, certification, and market development. Through interactive lectures, workshops, and group discussions, participants were able to contextualize and apply the learnings to their respective communities and organizational mandates.
This training marks a significant step toward empowering local stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to the Halal industry’s development in the Zamboanga Peninsula. It underscores ATI-RTC IX’s commitment to promoting inclusive, culturally respectful, and economically viable agricultural practices. As the demand for Halal products continues to rise both locally and internationally, capacitating communities at the grassroots level will be key to ensuring that the Zamboanga Peninsula becomes a strong player in the Halal agriculture value chain.
