Overview: Market Knowledge Support for Bangsamoro MSMEs
Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are stepping into a new phase of growth as an EU-funded development program intensifies market knowledge support and access to halal industry opportunities. The initiative, implemented through UNIDO (the United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and funded by the European Union, aims to sustain progress from the Bangsamoro peace process by equipping local producers with the tools they need to compete in regional and international markets.
During a recent forum in Davao City, approximately 150 business owners and regional government and NGO representatives gathered to discuss practical steps for strengthening the agri-fisheries value chain and expanding market access. The gathering highlighted the central role of halal certification, the regulatory pathways for FDA licensing, and other essential market access requirements.
Key Programs and Partners
The EU-funded project, titled Inclusive Agribusiness Development for Human Security (I-ADHS), operates under the Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme (BAEP). It is a collaboration among UNIDO, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR), and BARMM ministries, including the Ministries of Science and Technology, Trade Investments and Tourism, and the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority. This collective effort signals a coordinated push to streamline certifications and connect MSMEs with legitimate buyers.
Training, Certification, and Compliance
Mechelle Ann Lamata-Cea, a food-drug regulation officer at the FDA, underscored the agency’s readiness to facilitate market entry for Bangsamoro MSMEs through robust quality control and licensing processes. She noted that the FDA’s support extends beyond mere compliance; it aims to cultivate a strong food safety culture within MSME operations. The collaboration with UNIDO and EU partners is designed to simplify processes, provide clearer guidance, and make certification more attainable for small producers.
UNIDO’s technical assistance focuses on halal standards and certification for a range of products, including cattle, goat, poultry, seaweed, and processed seafood such as sardines. This technical backbone is intended to bolster the credibility of Bangsamoro goods in both domestic and international markets.
Firsthand Perspectives from Producers
For many farmers and processors, certification has long been perceived as a costly and complex hurdle. At the forum, success stories and practical concerns were voiced by participants. Muslimin Salih, chair of Magungaya sa Langgapanan Farmers and Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, described certification not as a mere requirement but as a passport to larger markets and greater consumer trust. “The session helped us understand the steps to halal and FDA certification, which before felt too complicated. Now we see the opportunities for our marinated Dalag, carp and tilapia and other products to reach both local and international buyers,” he said.
Attendees also explored cost considerations, documentation needs, and the importance of stronger linkages with government support mechanisms. The consensus was clear: making halal certification and related regulatory processes more accessible can unlock new revenue streams for Bangsamoro MSMEs while reinforcing standards across the regional economy.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Sustainable Growth
The Bangsamoro peace process gains are closely tied to inclusive development. By increasing market knowledge and easing access to certifications, the BAEP aims to help MSMEs produce goods that are both export-ready and trusted by consumers worldwide. Officials from MAFAR and other BARMM agencies expressed commitment to expanding these opportunities, inviting private sector participation to ensure MSMEs receive ongoing support, mentorship, and access to finance and networks.
In his remarks, Datu Hamsur Zaid, MAFAR project director for BAEP, urged ministries and private partners to sustain momentum. “Together, let us build a Bangsamoro where our products are not only export-ready but also symbols of excellence, integrity, and pride,” he stated. The EU’s long-term engagement with BARMM through BAEP reflects a broader strategy to promote inclusive development and lasting peace in the region.
Conclusion
As UNIDO, BARMM ministries, and regulatory bodies continue to align incentives and streamline procedures, Bangsamoro MSMEs stand to gain from enhanced market access, stronger brand credibility, and a more robust halal industry. With continued support for halal certification, FDA licensing, and good manufacturing practices, producers are better positioned to serve local markets and diversify into international trade, contributing to a sustainable economic future for BARMM.
