The Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas (DA-7), the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos-Visayas (NCMF-Visayas), and the Regional Halal Agriculture Fishery and Advisory Council (RHAFAC) have sought to increase awareness on the production of halal-certified goods in the region.

During the orientation on halal accreditation for stakeholders here, DA-7 regional technical director Joel Elumba said on Friday that halal is a banner program of the agency implemented in 2018.

The orientation, which centered on halal protocols and standards, was aimed at strengthening the advocacy and implementation of halal in the region.

“We have seen the importance of promoting and developing the halal industry, especially here in Cebu province,” the official said.

Halal is an Arabic word that means permitted, lawful, legal, or acceptable and is free from impurities and allowed for consumption under Islamic Law.

Mayolyn Majaducon, DA-7’s regional halal focal person, said the region had collaborated and advocated for the halal program in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negors Oriental, and Siquijor as well as promoted the establishment of halal farms to cater to the needs of ever-growing consumers.

“We have already tapped some farmers’ groups and cooperatives for the production of halal farm produce to include the Lamac Multipurpose Cooperative in Lamac, Pinamungahan, Cebu, the Malambuon Farmers Association, Biasong Association, and Guila Guila Patag in Cebu City,” Majaducon said.

DA-7 said there is still much room to raise halal consciousness and stimulate understanding about halal by non-Muslims in the region. (PNA)