Introduction: Building a Route to Quality and Market Access
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recently hosted a pivotal forum in Davao City that united farmers, food producers, and regulators with international partners to map a clear path toward Halal certification and robust food safety standards. Spearheaded by UNIDO and BARMM’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), the gathering laid the groundwork for a scalable, region-wide strategy aimed at elevating product quality and expanding market access.
A Unified Roadmap for Halal and Food Safety
Participants walked through step-by-step guidance on licensing, registrations, and compliance with key standards. The roadmap covered Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensing, National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) registration, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). By linking producers with regulators, certification bodies, and market experts, the forum aimed to demystify regulatory hurdles and position BARMM products for both local and international buyers.
Who Attended and Why It Matters
Nearly 150 farmers and food processors, along with leaders from the Halal sector and private industry across BARMM, attended the sessions. The majority hailed from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa), emphasizing the initiative’s inclusive reach into island provinces. The involvement of the EU-Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme (EU-BAEP) and other regional agencies underscored a shared commitment to making Halal and food safety certifications accessible to micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
Key Messages from Leaders on Quality, Markets, and Trust
MAFAR Minister Abunawas Maslamama framed the initiative as a critical step toward “strengthening BARMM’s culture of quality” and widening access to markets within the Philippines and the BIMP-EAGA region. He noted that Halal and food safety certifications are not merely compliance exercises but vehicles for building consumer trust and competitiveness across value chains.
Muslimin Salih, chairperson of the Magungaya sa Langgapanan Farmers and Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative, described certification as a doorway to broader opportunities. “We realized that certification is not only a requirement – it is a key to access bigger markets and make our products more trusted,” she said, highlighting plans to bring marinated dalag, carp, tilapia, and other products to local and international buyers through the Halal and FDA pathways.
EU Support and Regional Trade Implications
The EU’s Inclusive Agribusiness Development for Human Security project, channeled through EU-BAEP, has been instrumental in advancing BARMM’s Halal sector. Participants heard how the EU’s long-term support aligns with regional peace-building and inclusive development, while local agencies such as MOST, MTIT, BPDA, and the BARMM Business Council joined to discuss practical steps to broaden certification access for MSMEs. Pendatun Patarasa, MAFAR’s Director General for Fishery Services, stated that Halal certification acts as a passport to regional and international markets, a view echoed by partners pledged to support cooperatives toward global standards.
Regulatory Support and the Road Ahead
UNIDO’s ongoing technical support spans cattle, goat, poultry, seaweed, and processed sardines, aiming to strengthen BARMM’s Halal sector while expanding opportunities for local producers. Mechelle Ann Lamata-Cea, Food-Drug Regulation Officer, reaffirmed the FDA’s readiness to assist MSMEs through licensing processes and the cultivation of a strong food safety culture. She acknowledged existing challenges but emphasized that collaboration with UNIDO, the EU, and BARMM ministries would streamline processes, clarify guidance, and render certification more attainable.
Conclusion: A Collective Step Toward Market-Ready BARMM Products
As the forum marks a critical first step toward legal market entry and heightened consumer confidence, producers preview a future where local innovations — from marinated fish to processed seafood — can compete on both local shelves and international trade routes. By aligning Halal and food safety standards with regulatory clarity and market demand, BARMM, with UNIDO and EU-BAEP support, advances an inclusive, quality-driven agricultural economy in the Bangsamoro region.
