The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently held a three-day symposium in General Santos City to pitch to the agency’s concerned officials the Halal food industry as a good income and livelihood opportunity for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
Halal foods are meals that can be consumed by Muslims according to their customs and Islamic law.
DAR-Mindanao Affairs and Rural Development Office Undersecretary Ranibai Dilangalen said the consultation and conference workshop on Halal global business opportunities and integrated farming would broaden the business scope of farmer organizations to include Halal food processing practices and open opportunities for the agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in this competitive era of farming.
“There is a high demand for the Halal industry, not just in our country but also abroad, and it is our duty to introduce new possibilities to our farmers in addition to the opportunities that are offered from recent global developments in the market,” said Dilangalen.
She added that she initiated this activity as the DAR’s way of introducing to the participants what this multi-million industry can do to improve the lives of the ARBs.
Meanwhile, DAR Soccsksargen Director Mariannie Lauban-Baunto, said the event came at an opportune time as it coincides with the pace of an ongoing global economic recovery.
“At a broader level, this is relevant in addressing growing concerns of beneficiaries on sustainability and climate change in farm production,” she said.
Baunto said that the DAR’s support services sector provides livelihood projects and facilities that are geared towards higher income of the farmers.
“This event is a very good avenue in orienting the participants what other programs are able to help in alleviating poverty of farmer-recipients and maintaining the sustainability of the land, always geared towards the promise of hope and a better future for generations to come,” Baunto noted.
Participants to the conference include DAR Undersecretary for Special Concerns Carim Panumpang, as well some regional directors and selected assistant regional directors and their representatives.