Marawi City – July 28, 2025 — In a significant step toward advancing the halal industry in Lanao del Sur, Aleem Siddiqui M. Guiapal, Program Manager for Halal Industry Development at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), convened with key provincial officials and stakeholders to chart the future of the halal sector in the province.
The high-level meeting took place at the Capitol Guest House in Marawi City and was attended by representatives from various provincial departments, including Provincial Information Officer Salma Jayne Tamano, Provincial Technology and Livelihood Development Center Manager Jasnia Adiong-Shiekrashid, Tourism Office’s Ahmad Nour-al-dinn Tamano, Ashadie Alonto of the Cooperatives Office, Dr. Al Hussein Domaot from the Veterinary Office, Forester Pili Papandayan from the Office of the Environment and Natural Resources, and representatives from the agriculture and Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIPO).
Joining Guiapal were Almera Pasandalan of Al-Baraqah and Amin Ambor from the Mindanao State University-Office of the President (MSU-OP), who are among the key players in the region’s growing halal ecosystem.
Guiapal presented the DTI’s Halal Strategic Projects, including the development of a Halal-Friendly Hotel in Clark to promote halal tourism, the implementation of renewable energy projects to sustainably power halal ventures, the construction of a poultry farm in Tarlac to ensure a steady supply of halal-certified meat, and agricultural initiatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to enhance local food production capacity.
“These strategic projects are designed not only to promote halal practices but also to stimulate inclusive economic growth, especially in Muslim-majority areas like Lanao del Sur,” Guiapal said during his presentation.
In the afternoon, the team paid a courtesy call on Vice Governor Mohammad Khalid “Mujam” Raki-in Adiong to explore deeper collaboration. Their discussion centered on key development areas such as halal certification systems, Islamic finance, solar energy initiatives, and export marketing of Lanao del Sur’s halal products to global markets.
Guiapal underscored the importance of aggressive halal marketing and introduced innovative strategies to strengthen the province’s role in the global halal value chain. “If we position ourselves well, Lanao del Sur can become a vital player in the international halal trade,” he emphasized.
Provincial leaders expressed strong support for the initiative, recognizing the potential of the halal industry to create jobs, empower local producers, and attract investment into the province.
The meeting marks a pivotal step in aligning local government programs with the national roadmap for halal industry development, with the vision of transforming Lanao del Sur into a halal economic hub in Mindanao.