The Department of Science and Technology Regional Office No. IX successfully conducted a one-day training-workshop on Halal Audit and Certification Process to the officers and members of Basilan Ulama Supreme Council (BUSC) last 5 April 2021 at Ulama Village, Sumagdang, Isabela City, Basilan Province. The BUSC, a non-government religious organization of Ulama (Islamic Scholar) and Professionals in the province, is embarking on a journey to become a Halal certifying body (HCB).
The program started with opening prayer led by Sheikh Abdulgani Tamboh. It was followed by Opening Remarks given by Sheikh Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, BUSC officer and Member of Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA). In his message, he emphasized the challenges and opportunities of the organization in applying for accreditation to become an HCB in the province. Afterwards, Mr. Ahmad Y. Al-Amin, BUSC Secretary General, introduced the participants.
The training-workshop focused on the following topics: Halal Audit, Certification Process and DOST IX assistance for Halal Development. Mr. Nuhman M. Aljani, DOST Focal Person on Halal and Certified Halal Lead Auditor, served as the resource speaker of the activity.
Mr. Ricardo J. Apolinario III, Center Manager of DOST’s Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), also shared the features of SETUP and how small and micro enterprises (SMEs) can avail the assistance.
Engr. Nasser Barahama shared an impression of the training and expressed that their group is grateful to DOST-IX for responding positively to their request despite the limitations brought by COVID-19. The program concluded with a closing prayer leaded by Sheikh Ibrahim Haruddin, Head Secretariat of BUSC.
This program is line with DOST IX Halal S&T program that aims to help boost Halal Industry in the region by enabling competent human resource in Halal. DOST-IX also provide assistance to Halal producers on upgrading their facility and improve their productivity through the agency’s SETUP. Other assistance provided by the agency include access to Halal Verification Laboratory, technical consultancy on Halal audit, and Halal awareness trainings, among others.
Basilan Ulama Supreme Council (BUSC) is chaired by Dr. Aboulkhair S. Tarason. Its members are Ulamas (Islamic Scholars) and Professionals who are graduates from different universities in the country, Middle East and Africa. (Omar J. Butlangan, DOST IX Press Release).