EU–UNIDO Drive to Open Halal Markets for BARMM MSMEs
A European Union-funded business development initiative is accelerating market access for micro- and small to medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The goal is to unlock halal industry opportunities and widen access to both local and international markets, supporting the peace process and inclusive development in the region.
Key Forum in Davao City Brings Together Stakeholders
On a recent event in Davao City, around 150 business owners and representatives from regional government agencies and non-government organizations participated in sessions focusing on market access, certification costs, and the role of regulatory bodies. The forum targeted producers in the agri-fisheries value chain, as well as other MSMEs seeking to scale up operations through robust compliance and quality assurance.
Halal Certification and Regulatory Pathways
Participants received intensive guidance on halal certification processes and licensing requirements from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other regulatory bodies. The sessions covered product registration, good manufacturing practices, and the steps needed to secure licenses for export-ready products like marinated fish, seafood, and other value-added goods.
Mechelle Ann Lamata-Cea, a food-regulation officer at the FDA, reassured MSMEs of the agency’s readiness to help them gain market access. “The FDA stands ready to assist Bangsamoro MSMEs as they take steps toward licensing and in building a strong food safety culture within their organizations,” she said. “We recognize the challenges MSMEs face in meeting regulatory requirements, which is why we are working hand in hand with partners to streamline processes and make certification more attainable.”
Partnerships Powering the Initiative
The forum was led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) via its EU-funded project, Inclusive Agribusiness Development for Human Security (IADHS). The project operates in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and is a core component of the broader Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme (BAEP).
Datu Hamsur Zaid, MAFAR project director for BAEP, urged Bangsamoro ministries and the private sector to back efforts that empower MSMEs. “Together, let us build a Bangsamoro where our products are not only export-ready but also symbols of excellence, integrity, and pride,” he remarked. The EU’s involvement underscores a long-term commitment to peace and inclusive development in BARMM.
From Problem Identification to Practical Solutions
During workshops, farmers and processors voiced concerns about certification costs, documentation, and the need for stronger linkages with government support mechanisms. Visioning and problem-solving sessions helped participants map out practical routes to certification and market entry, highlighting the perception that halal and FDA certifications are not mere regulatory hurdles but gateways to larger, trust-based markets.
“Certification is not only a requirement—it is a key to access bigger markets and make our products more trusted,” said Muslimin Salih, chair of Magungaya sa Langgapanan Farmers and Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur. He noted that clearer guidance on halal, FDA certification, and product readiness could unlock growth for products such as dalag (catfish), tilapia, and other fishery products, enabling them to reach local and international buyers.
The Broader Impact on BARMM’s Halal Industry
UNIDO’s technical support covers halal standards for cattle, goats, poultry, seaweed, and processed seafood, reinforcing BARMM’s push to strengthen its halal ecosystem. The collaboration mirrors a broader strategy by BARMM ministries—including 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 to make regulatory pathways more accessible for MSMEs.
As the BAEP and related EU programs continue, BARMM’s MSMEs hope to convert regulatory compliance into concrete competitive advantages, with products that appeal to both domestic consumers and international markets. The ultimate objective is a resilient local economy where halal excellence, quality assurances, and credible certifications translate into sustainable livelihoods across the Bangsamoro region.
Conclusion: A Path Toward Inclusive Growth
By strengthening knowledge on market access, halal standards, and regulatory requirements, the EU–UNIDO initiative aims to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process through inclusive economic development. The ongoing collaboration between UNIDO, BARMM ministries, and private sector partners signals a practical pathway for MSMEs to grow responsibly while maintaining cultural integrity and regional pride.
