News From : DagangHalal.com (07 Jul 2009)
Manila (6 July) — The Department of Agriculture will pursue its halal activities by producing more food and generate more livelihood opportunities for its countrymen, especially with the Muslim group to penetrate the huge and lucrative halal global market.
This was part of the keynote speech of DA Secretary Arthur C. Yap delivered by DA 12 Regional Technical Director and current Chair of the Halal Food Industry Development Community, Mustapha G. Ismael during the International Halal Assurance Seminar at the Grand Ballroom, Inter-Continental Hotel, Makati City.
The said seminar which was conducted recently by the Islamic Da’wah Council of the Philippines was attended by various stakeholders all over the world who continuously support and advocating halal food products.
Yap reiterates that the Agriculture department continuously conduct trainings and seminars among concerned stakeholders on the proper production, processing and marketing of halal cereal and vegetable crops, fruits, meat, milk, fish and other commodities – from farm-to-plate or throughout the food supply chain to assure the consumers of the hygienic and wholesomeness quality of the products.
He added that the Philippines is a bird flu-free island and Mindanao which is the center of Halal Food Production as pronounced by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is likewise Foot and Mouth Disease free zone, making it more competitive than other neighboring countries. He reiterates that Mindanao being the disease free-zone area has reliable supply of feed ingredients to make Halal food credible and genuine to wit: Corn-3, 750, 731 MT, Rice – 3, 700, 833 MT, Copra meal, Fish meal, Palm Oil.
Highlights of the said seminar include sessions on Business Opportunities in Halal Production, Management and Assurance on Halal Production, Halal Assurance in Food, Halal Certification Program in the United States, Guiding Principles and Procedural Requirements in Halal Assurance of Food Production and Video Presentation on Halal Slaughtering.
Special Halal Recognition Award was given to those who have helped the IDCP in the development of Halal Industry all over the world. Awardees were World Halal Forum by Hjh. Jumaatun Azmi; The Halal Science by Prof. Dr. Winai Dahlan; MIHAS or Malaysia International Halal Showcase by Mr. Mohd Shukri Abdullah; LPPOMUI of Indonesia by Dr. Hosen Nadratuzzaman and Ustadz Abdullah Fahim Ab.Rahman.
by Sophia U. Paguital
Source: Philippine Information Agency | www.pia.gov.ph
Link: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090706.htm&no=69&r=&y=&mo=