Halal Capacity Development in BARMM with MHCT

At MHCT, we strengthen Halal capability through practical training and collaboration. From 28 September to 1 October 2026, we contributed our expertise to a four-day programme that brought religious and government stakeholders together in Cotabato City, Philippines.

The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT) organised the programme at Hall 4, Alnor Convention Center. Our Executive Director and Principal Halal Consultant, Prof. Dr. Abdul Rafek Saleh, facilitated the training and shared his expertise as a resource speaker.

Building Capability Through Halal Training

The programme, Capacity Development for Religious Bodies on Halal Standards, Auditing, Certification and Halal Assurance Systems, addressed key requirements and institutional responsibilities within the Halal sector.

We shared knowledge across four connected areas:

  • Halal standards, auditing and certification
  • Halal assurance systems
  • Shariah and technical requirements
  • Institutional roles in accreditation, certification and compliance

Understanding these areas helps stakeholders distinguish their responsibilities and connect Halal principles with compliance practices. Our contribution supported MTIT’s efforts to develop the knowledge that institutions need to fulfil their roles within the region’s Halal ecosystem.

A Shared Commitment to Halal Integrity

We shared Halal knowledge with representatives from Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, Hayatul Ulama, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education’s Directorate General for Madaris Education, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform, and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.

Their participation brought different institutional perspectives into the programme. We value opportunities for religious and government stakeholders to learn together, discuss requirements and develop a clearer understanding of their respective responsibilities.

Through this initiative, MTIT supported capacity development within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). We appreciate the opportunity to contribute to that effort.

A Shared Milestone in Halal Capacity Development

MTIT recognised Prof. Dr. Abdul Rafek Saleh with a Certificate of Appreciation dated 1 October 2026. The certificate acknowledged his expertise and contribution as a resource speaker towards strengthening Halal integrity.

We thank MTIT, the participating institutions and all participants for their cooperation and engagement. We value this recognition as encouragement to continue sharing our expertise and supporting Halal competency development.

The Path Ahead

We look forward to opportunities for continued collaboration with MTIT and Bangsamoro Darul Ifta to advance Halal competency, integrity and public confidence across the region.

Continued learning and knowledge exchange can help institutions keep Halal requirements central to their work. We remain ready to contribute practical training and guidance to support these efforts.

Partner with MHCT Agency for Global Compliance

We support organisations through Halal consultation, audits, training and assurance-system guidance. Organisations exploring ways to strengthen their Halal capability can learn more about our approach and opportunities for collaboration at mhctagency.com.