NCMF-North Luzon Regional Director Atty. Bai Raihanah Sarah T. Macarimpas. (Photo: SDN)
Short link: https://wp.me/paaccn-XFH
BAGUIO CITY — On March 2, 2026, a Preparatory Meeting on the Creation of the CAR Halal Core Group was convened here at the DTI-CAR Regional Office Conference Room, Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).
The meeting served as a key step in strengthening the halal ecosystem in the region and aligning regional initiatives with the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and other line agencies in accordance with the national halal development agenda.
It was was chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–CAR, which led the initiative to establish the CAR Halal Core Group as a collaborative body that will coordinate halal-related programs, certifications, industry development, and support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.The NCMF–North Luzon headed by Regional Director Bai Raihanah Sarah T. Macarimpas served as the vice-chairperson, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that halal standards and practices are aligned with Islamic principles while promoting inclusive economic opportunities.
Representatives from several national government agencies operating in the Cordillera region assembled for the meeting, reflecting a whole-of government approach to halal industry development. Participating agencies included the Department of Agriculture (DA)–CAR, Department of Science and Technology (DOST)–CAR, Department of Tourism (DOT)–CAR, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)–CAR, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–CAR, and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA)–CAR.
Each agency plays a vital role in supporting halal industry growth through agricultural production, product development and research, tourism promotion, skills training, food safety regulation, and cooperative enterprise development.
During the multi-agency meeting, the agenda focused on several important items. First, the participants reviewed the list of newly halal-certified MSMEs in the CAR, recognizing their role as pioneers in the regional halal market. Their discussion highlighted the growing interest of local enterprises in engaging in halal-certified production and the potential to expand their reach to both domestic and international halal markets.
The second major agenda item was the review of the draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the formal establishment of the CAR Halal Core Group, outlining the structure, roles, and collaborative responsibilities of the participating agencies in advancing halal initiatives within the region. Creating the core group aims to ensure coordinated implementation of programs, technical assistance to MSMEs, and harmonization of halal-related policies and activities.
The participants also discussed preparations for the recent March 10, 2026, event, which included the awarding ceremony for newly halal-certified MSMEs, as well as the formal signing of the MOA to officially establish the CAR Halal Core Group. This event is envisioned as a milestone in the region’s efforts to promote halal awareness and strengthen institutional partnerships.
In addition, the meeting emphasized the localization of the Philippine Halal Industry Development Strategic (PHIDS) Plan 2023–2028 within the Cordillera region. By aligning national priorities with regional programs, the participating agencies aim to develop a sustainable halal ecosystem that supports MSMEs, enhances product competitiveness, and contributes to inclusive economic growth. (/)