Bangsamoro MSMEs eye bigger markets with EU-backed support
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is advancing its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through a European Union-funded development project aimed at expanding halal industry opportunities and broader market access. The EU-supported program, implemented through UNIDO’s Inclusive Agribusiness Development for Human Security (BAEP), seeks to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process by linking local producers to regional and international buyers.
Forum in Davao City: what was discussed
On a recent gathering in Davao City, around 150 business owners and representatives from regional government agencies and non-government organizations explored the support needed by MSMEs, especially those within the agri-fishery value chain. The forum highlighted critical steps toward certification and compliance that can unlock new markets for Bangsamoro products, from marinated fish to processed seafood and other value-added goods.
Halal certification and regulatory readiness
Participants received intensive guidance on obtaining halal certification and licensing through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). The program also covered product registration and good manufacturing practices, underscoring that certification is not merely a regulatory hurdle but a gateway to broader trust and higher-value buyers.
Role of FDA and UNIDO in market access
Mechelle Ann Lamata-Cea, a food-drug regulation officer at the FDA, reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to assist Bangsamoro MSMEs in licensing and building a robust food safety culture. She explained that streamlined processes, clearer guidance, and sustained partnerships with UNIDO, the EU, and BARMM ministries are essential to make certification more attainable for local producers.
Government and partner involvement
Representatives from the BARMM ministries—MAFAR, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism, and the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority—along with the Bangsamoro Business Council, attended the event. Their presence signals a coordinated push to make certifications more accessible and to strengthen linkages between MSMEs and government support mechanisms.
From challenges to actionable steps
During visioning and problem-identification sessions, producers voiced concerns about certification costs, documentation requirements, and the need for efficient pathways to government support. A key takeaway was recognizing certification as a strategic tool for market expansion rather than a mere compliance task. As one cooperative leader noted, certification can unlock access to larger, more discerning markets and enhance product trust among consumers.
What comes next for BARMM MSMEs
UNIDO’s technical support remains focused on halal standards across sectors, including cattle, goat, poultry, seaweed, and processed sardines. By equipping MSMEs with the know-how to meet international standards, the BARMM region can position its products—such as marinated fish and other agri-fishery goods—as reliable, export-ready options. The broader objective is to create a resilient, inclusive economy that aligns with the peace-building goals of Bangsamoro, offering sustainable income opportunities for local communities.
Implications for regional development
BARMM comprises Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, and the city areas of Marawi, Lamitan, and Cotabato. The EU-BAEP initiative reflects a long-term commitment to peace and inclusive development by strengthening the region’s market competitiveness while preserving cultural and artisanal strengths. For MSMEs, the path forward lies in securing certifications, improving production practices, and forging productive links with buyers who value halal-compliant, quality products. This collaborative effort holds promise for sustainable growth that benefits farmers, processors, and communities across BARMM.
