The World Halal Assembly Philippines 2019 was organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST Region XII) with its theme “Innovation for Sustainable Halal Ecosystem” held at Shangrila Hotel, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, February 26-27, 2019.
The Assembly is an International Halal Conference evolving beyond name. It is a platform for experts, traders and entrepreneurs, academe, governments and consumers from various nations to discuss and exchange views regarding Halal products and industry.
During the Opening Ceremonies, Mr. Abdul Jalil Amerol recited the Holy Q’uran, followed by an Invocation led by Hadji Mohammad Almithi, CPA, Dost Region XII
Dr. Hadja Sittie Shayma Zenaida Hadji Raaf Laidan, Chairperson, World Halal Assembly Philippines 2019 and Regional Director, DOST Region XII delivered her Welcome Address. It was her pleasure to welcome the honored guests representatives from various nations of Southeast Asia, academe, business entrepreneurs, stakeholders both private and government agencies across the country. She pointed out that the reason why they are gathered is to formulate policies for its implementation to a sustainable Halal Food Industry and likewise to ensure to meet the demand of Halal food products not only for Muslim participating countries but to all Filipino people and to the next generation as well. They would ensure that the products meet its compliance for a Unified Global Standard beneficial to Halal consumers.
At this point, she announced that on February 25, 2019 the DOST Region XII had their Inaugural Rites for the Philippine National Halal Laboratory Science Center. This is a world-class facility, a one-stop shop center with its ultimate goal is to develop locally-made products. The laboratory would served as a cleaning house that certified products in and out the country in order to ensure its Halal quality and integrity. Moreover, it will cater local and international clients and partners help boost economic opportunities in our country.
Guest of honors who had an opportunity to deliver their message were: HIS EMINENCE MUFTI MUSTAFA CERIC, President of the Senate, Bosniak Academy of Science and Arts, Bosnia; HIS EXCELLENCY IHSAN OVOT, Secretary General Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic countries, Turkey; HIS EXCELLENCY IHOR A. KHOVAEV, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Embassy of Russian Federation, Philippines; HIS EXCELLENCY ZAFER SOYLU, Chairman of the Board/President, Turkish Halal Accreditation Agency, Turkey.
Meanwhile, they were accorded plaque of Appreciation for their valuable contributions for this event.
His Eminence Mufti Mustafa Ceric of Bosnia delivered his message and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this Assembly. He appreciate this country for having been endowed with amazing nature and surrounded with beautiful people inside and out. He said Halal is not only a preparation of food. It is a blessing and gift from God. In addition, he expressed his belief that the essence of this Assembly is to bring the spirit of oneness, bring peace to one another rather than war.
A signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was undertaken between His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Alzaid, Secretary General for Muslim League of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sec. Fortunato Dela Pena, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as witness were: Dr. Hadja Sittie Shayma, Regional Director, DOST Region XII and other honored guests.
At this juncture, His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Alzaud, Asst. Secretary General, Muslim League of Saudi Arabia was accorded an award for Appreciation in recognition for his valuable contribution for this momentous event. He expressed his gratutide being part of this endeavor. ” Halal is not only for food but it is a total cleansing in our spiritual being”, he said. (Written by: Adela Garapan Ida)
