BARMM and UNIDO Launch a Food Safety and Halal Certification Roadmap
In Davao City, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) joined forces with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to chart a practical roadmap for halal certification and food safety. The forum linked nearly 150 farmers and food producers with regulators, market experts, and certification bodies, creating a direct pathway to meet market standards and strengthen the competitiveness of BARMM’s agribusiness sector.
A Concrete Pathway: Licensing, GMP, and Market Access
Participants received step-by-step guidance on key regulatory requirements, including licensing with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), product registration, and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The sessions emphasized that achieving halal and food-safety certification is not merely a compliance exercise but a gateway to expanded markets, both locally and in the broader region.
Regional Focus: BaSulTa and the Halal Sector
A significant portion of attendees came from Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa), alongside stakeholders from the halal sector and private enterprises across BARMM. MAFAR Minister Abunawas Maslamama underscored the initiative’s goal of raising awareness about halal and food-safety certification, noting that the effort aims to elevate BARMM’s culture of quality and broaden market access within the Philippines and the BIMP-EAGA corridor.
Voices from the Field: New Opportunities for Local Products
Community leaders reflected on the initial perception of certification as daunting. The Magungaya sa Langgapanan Farmers and Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative chair, Muslimin Salih, explained that the process now appears more accessible and valuable. He pointed to marinated dalag, carp, tilapia, and other products as examples that could reach larger local and international buyers once halal and FDA standards are met.
Partnerships and Policy Support
The initiative is backed by European Union funding through the EU-Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme (EU-BAEP), part of the EU’s long-term effort to foster inclusive development and peace in BARMM. Senior BARMM officials from the MOST, MTIT, BPDA, and the Bangsamoro Business Council (BBC) attended, reinforcing a cross-ministerial push to make certification more accessible for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Official Support: Halal as a Passport to Markets
Pendatun Patarasa, MAFAR Director General for Fishery Services, framed Halal certification as a passport to regional and international markets. He pledged continued collaboration with the EU and UNIDO to help cooperatives meet global standards and claim their place in trade. He affirmed that the partnership will support producers every step of the way, from preparation to compliance.
Regulatory Readiness and Future Steps
Mechelle Ann Lamata-Cea of the FDA reassured MSMEs that regulatory bodies are ready to assist in licensing and building a robust food-safety culture within BARMM. Cea acknowledged the unique challenges faced by MSMEs and highlighted ongoing cooperation with UNIDO, the EU, and BARMM ministries to streamline processes, provide clearer guidance, and make certification more attainable.
UNIDO’s Ongoing Technical Support
UNIDO continues to provide technical assistance on certification procedures for a range of products, including cattle, goat, poultry, seaweed, and processed sardines. This support aims to strengthen BARMM’s halal sector and expand opportunities for local producers to participate in both regional and international markets, aligning with broader trade initiatives in the area.
Looking Ahead
With the EU-BAEP and UNIDO backing, BARMM’s agricultural community is positioned to translate certification into tangible market gains. The program seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem where quality, safety, and halal standards become standard practice, encouraging investment, improving consumer trust, and boosting regional prosperity through inclusive development.
