Bangsamoro Halal Industry Empowers Farmers and Fisherfolk through Global Support

Cotabato City, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) is accelerating its efforts to strengthen the halal industry across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), leveraging international partnerships and funding to uplift farmers and fisherfolk.

Key International Projects Boosting Local Capacity

One of BARMM’s flagship initiatives is the Bangsamoro Agri-Enterprise Programme (BAEP), a five-year project funded by the European Union with a budget of around PHP 1.2 billion. BAEP focuses on strengthening agribusiness enterprises, developing resilient value chains, encouraging private sector investment, and raising the quality and standards of halal and sea-aquaculture products. The program is supported by international partners and development agencies, ensuring both technical assistance and capacity-building at the grassroots level.

Another major effort is the Development of Sustainable Fishery Value Chains in BARMM, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Government of Japan. With a grant of nearly USD 4.8 million, this project is designed to assist small-scale aquaculture farmers and fisherfolk, including women and conflict-affected communities. It provides infrastructure such as cold storage facilities, hatcheries, halal aquafeed production units, and technical training to strengthen local capacities.

Halal-Focused Training and Grassroots Inclusion

Alongside large-scale projects, community-based initiatives are also being implemented. In Tawi-Tawi, MAFAR recently organized a two-day “Training on Halal Agri-Fishery Production” for farmers and fisherfolk. The training covered halal principles, animal health, and fishery best practices, ensuring participants understood the requirements of halal compliance.

Such programs are designed to raise awareness, improve product quality, and enhance income opportunities while preparing local producers for halal certification and access to broader markets. Community groups, including women and marginalized fisherfolk, are being prioritized to ensure inclusivity in halal development.

Infrastructure Support and Budget Commitment

To reduce post-harvest losses and improve storage, MAFAR distributed solar-powered ice block makers to fisherfolk cooperatives in Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. These machines are helping communities preserve their catch for longer, maintain quality, and expand access to local markets.

Further demonstrating the region’s commitment, the Bangsamoro Parliament approved a P2 billion budget for MAFAR in 2025. A significant portion of this allocation will support agricultural productivity, food security, and the halal industry. Special emphasis is being placed on awareness and training programs for farmers and fisherfolk, ensuring that halal principles are better understood and widely adopted.

Impacts, Challenges, and the Path Forward

The combination of international partnerships, government investment, and grassroots training is beginning to transform the landscape of halal production in BARMM. Farmers and fisherfolk now have greater access to resources, technical know-how, and infrastructure to meet halal standards. These initiatives are also improving livelihoods and helping integrate Bangsamoro products into local and international halal markets.

Despite progress, challenges remain. Certification processes, market access, and the high costs of compliance are hurdles for small producers. Ensuring sustainability in logistics and production, particularly in remote island provinces, will also require continued investment and coordination. However, with growing support from both international and local partners, BARMM is on track to build a stronger, more competitive halal industry that empowers its farmers and fisherfolk.