TAGUIG CITY, METRO MANILA- MAY 3, 2021 a satellite office of one of the members of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament has just opened in this city catering to its Metro Manila constituency outside the Bangsamoro region which aimed at extending the programs and services of the Bangsamoro leadership outside the BARMM amidst the COVID-19 pandemic..

It is the office of Sultan Edrieza H. Nasser Rimbang Al Hajj, parliament member who also heads the ribbon cutting and opening whom they expected Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano,  DILG USec. For Barangay Affairs Martin B. Dino, Madam Princess Romaniah E. Rimbang, Manila Muslim Affairs Director Shey Sakaluran Mohammad-Yu representing Manila Mayor Isko Moreno to attend but only DILG USec. For Barangay Affairs Martin B. Dino and Manila Muslim Affairs Director Shey Sakaluran Mohammad-Yu managed to make it.

The activities were held at PTS-3 Building, #5 E. Balao Street, AFP Officers Village Western Bicutan Taguig City beside the head office of the Technical Educationand Skills Development Authority ( TESDA) and was held May 3, 2021 (monday) about  1:00PM.

It is of utmost importance for the Muslim brethren outside the BARMM or in Mindanao to get access on the programs and projects of its leadership and and essential plus to the parliament members to reach out the brethren far from the autonomous region having afeel of inclusivity among Muslims regardless of tribal affiliations.

Meanwhile the task of disseminating and inviting press and media practitioners fell into Philippine Press Clubofficer Mr. Manolito Liwanag///Maryam jannah Binti Ismail, 09471142750, maryjaneolvina@gmail.com  and konekted@dzmjonline.net

Islamic scholars, professionals get training on Halal Audit from DOSTThe Department of Science and Technology Region IX successfully conducted a one-day training-workshop on Halal Audit and Certification Process for the officers and members of Basilan Ulama Supreme Council (BUSC) last 5 April 2021 at Ulama Village, Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan Province.
 
The BUSC, a non-government religious organization of Ulama (Islamic scholar) and professionals in the province, is embarking on a journey to become a Halal certifying body (HCB).  
 
The program started with an opening prayer led by Sheikh Abdulgani Tamboh. It was followed by the Opening Remarks given by Sheikh Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, BUSC officer and Member of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). In his message, he emphasized the challenges and opportunities of the organization in applying for accreditation to become an HCB in the province. Thereafter, Ahmad Y. Al-Amin, BUSC Secretary General, introduced the participants.
 
The training-workshop focused on the following topics: Halal Audit, Certification Process and the DOST-IX assistance for Halal Development. Nuhman M. Aljani, DOST Focal Person on Halal and Certified Halal Lead Auditor, served as the resource speaker during the activity.
 
On the other hand, Ricardo J. Apolinario III, Center Manager of DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), shared the features of SETUP and how small and micro enterprises (SMEs) can avail of the assistance to improve their operation and competitiveness in the domestic and international market.
 
Moreover, Engr. Nasser Barahama shared an impression of the training and expressed that their group is grateful to DOST-IX for responding positively to their request despite the limitations brought by COVID-19. The program concluded with a closing prayer leaded by Sheikh Ibrahim Haruddin, Head Secretariat of BUSC.

This initiative is in line with DOST-IX Halal S&T program that aims to help boost Halal Industry in the region by enabling more competent human resource in Halal. DOST-IX also provide assistance to Halal producers on upgrading their facility and improving their productivity through SETUP. Other assistance provided by the agency include access to Halal Verification Laboratory, technical consultancy on Halal audit, and Halal awareness trainings, among others.
 
Basilan Ulama Supreme Council is chaired by Dr. Aboulkhair S. Tarason. Its members are Ulamas (Islamic scholars) and professionals who graduated from different universities in the country, the Middle East and Africa.
 
For more information on DOST-IX Halal services, please call (062) 955-3654 or text 0936 527 3006 and look for Omar J. Butlangan, or email dost9.halal@gmail.com or visit Facebook page www.facebook.com/DOSTRegion9 (Omar J. Butlangan, DOST-IX Press Release).

DOST-XI trains trainers on Halal perspective in the industry
The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office XI (DOST-XI) held recently a two-day Training on Halal Perspective in the Industry via Zoom to orient participants on the many opportunities that the halal industry offers.

A total of 75 participants, composed of personnel from various DOST Food Safety Teams (FST), Provincial Science and Technology Centers (PSTCs) and technical personnel of DOST Region XI and other DOST Regional Offices joined the event.

The objective of the activity was to equip the participants with the appropriate knowledge and skills on the Halal Concepts and Principles, Halal Assurance System (Philippine and Malaysian standards), and Halal Management System.

The speakers who shared their knowledge were experts in the Halal industry, namely: Prof. Analiza Flores-Malayang, former Commissioner III of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos; Lourdes S. Montevirgen, Norli L. Aidasani, and Charles Feb Q. Palla of the Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) of the Department of Science and Technology.

“This trainers’ training provides capacity-building to DOST-based personnel and affiliate to create a pool of human resource for the Halal Industry,” DOST-XI Regional Director and DOST Halal S&T Program Leader, Dr. Anthony C. Sales, CESO III said. He also encouraged the participants to practice what they have learned and that the training will be echoed to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Halal stakeholders.

The training is in line with the Human Resource Development (HRD) under the DOST Halal S&T Program. (DOST XI S&T Promotion)