Overview: BARMM, UNIDO Forge a Halal Certification and Food Safety Path
In Davao City, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) joined forces with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to chart a practical roadmap for halal certification and food safety. The forum brought together almost 150 farmers, food processors, regulators, market experts, and certification bodies to bridge the gap between local production and global market standards. The goal is clear: strengthen BARMM’s agribusiness competitiveness by ensuring products meet both halal and sanitary requirements.
Roadmap to Halal Certification and Food Safety
The sessions provided step-by-step guidance on regulatory pathways, including licensing and product registration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS). Participants also learned about Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and the integration of halal standards into everyday production. For many in the BaSulTa corridor—Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi—this was a first real exposure to the processes that turn local goods into market-ready products with broader appeal.
From Understanding to Market Access
MAFAR stressed that certification is more than a regulatory checkbox; it is a strategic entry ticket to larger markets. BARMM Minister Abunawas Maslamama highlighted that elevating the region’s quality culture would unlock new trade opportunities not only within the Philippines but across the BIMP-EAGA corridor. This sentiment was echoed by cooperative leaders who described certification as a trust signal for buyers and a gateway to price premiums and larger orders.
Local Voices: From Complexity to Opportunity
Muslimin Salih, chairperson of the Magungaya sa Langgapanan Farmers and Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative, admitted initial concerns about the perceived complexity of the certification landscape. “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. The forum helped participants envision how their marinated dalag, carp, tilapia, and other products could reach local and international buyers once Halal and FDA standards are in place.
Partnerships That Drive Progress
EU support is a cornerstone of this initiative, through the European Union’s Inclusive Agribusiness Development for Human Security (EU-BAEP) project. The EU’s long-term assistance aims to build inclusive development and lasting peace in BARMM by expanding access to market-ready halal products. Local agencies such as MOST, MTIT, the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA), and the Bangsamoro Business Council (BBC) were on hand to stress the need for accessible certification pathways for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Official Support and Next Steps
Pendatun Patarasa, MAFAR Director General for Fishery Services, called halal certification the passport to regional and international markets. “With the EU and UNIDO, we will support our cooperatives every step of the way to ensure they meet global standards and claim their rightful place in trade,” he stated. Mechelle Ann Lamata-Cea, FDA’s Food-Drug Regulation Officer, assured that the FDA stands ready to assist BARMM MSMEs as they pursue licensing and cultivate a strong food safety culture. She emphasized collaboration with UNIDO, the EU, and BARMM ministries to streamline processes and make certification more attainable.
What This Means for BARMM MSMEs and the BaSulTa Region
UNIDO has provided technical support for certification procedures across a range of products—cattle, goat, poultry, seaweed, and processed sardines—strengthening the halal sector while expanding opportunities for local producers. By linking producers with regulators and certification bodies, the forum laid the groundwork for predictable compliance, improved product quality, and greater consumer trust. The emphasis on practical guidance—licensing, product registration, and sanitary standards—helps MSMEs navigate the pathway from local production to wider markets, including the BIMP-EAGA region.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Growth through Standards
The collaborative effort signals a long-term commitment to a culture of quality in BARMM. As producers begin the certification journey, the region’s agricultural and aquaculture products stand to gain from enhanced competitiveness, better access to both local and international buyers, and a more resilient supply chain grounded in halal ethics and robust food safety practices.
