MSU signs MOU with PTTC on Halal Food Research and Development

THE Mindanao State University (MSU) led by President Basari Mapupuno has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) on May 30 to push the development of local halal products and how certified halal products could be introduced to the trillion-dollar global halal market. Nelly Nita Dillera, executive director at DTI-PTTC said the signing of the MoU lays the groundwork for collaboration in research, the conduct of training needs assessment, and co-authoring of learning designs and modules — all geared towards economic growth, job generation, and increased competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). "The MoU intends to build local MSMEs from the ground up, which in turn plays a pivotal role in post-pandemic and post-siege recovery efforts in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur," Dillera said. The collaboration represents an acknowledgment of the important contribution of MSU in breathing life to Republic Act 10817 or the "Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016." It also paves the way for revitalized community extension programs, which are part of the 10-Point Agenda of Mapupuno. PTTC is an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, which develops training modules on export and import techniques and raises the level of awareness of Philippine businessmen on export opportunities and the availability of alternative sources of import products or diversified markets.