The Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the Halal Food Industry Development Program (DA-HFIDP) as an official banner program of the food agency on April 2, 2018 at the Sharif Kabungsuwan Hall, ARMM Compound, in Cotabato City.

Agriculture Undersecretary for Special Concerns and Chairperson of the Halal Executive Committee Atty. Ranibai Dilangalen together with Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Eduardo Gongona, DA Region 12 Director Mila Casis and other key officials and stakeholders graced the ceremony.

“Now that Halal is now considered a banner program, the funding and implementation of projects is expected to be faster and easier,” USec. Dilangalen said.

The Halal program of DA was given a working budget of P44, 630, 000. 00 for 2018, which will be used in various program for Halal awareness and promotion campaigns as well as uplifting the Halal industry in the country.

As the government seeks to take part in the $2.3 trillion global demand of the Halal industry, the DA will push for initiatives that will boost related enterprises, increase local income and generate more employment activities. ### (Carlos Cezar Baldosa, DA-AFID)