MSU, Raheemah co-op tie up to roll out Halal course, program

To amplify the promotion of the Halal industry in the country, the Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative forged a sturdy partnership with the Mindanao State University (MSU) System to institutionalize a Halal course or program and highlight its significance in the prime mission of fostering a peaceful community.

To bring this to fruition, these entities led a three-day Halal curriculum and roadmap development workshop in Cagayan de Oro City, participated by the executives of all MSU campuses in the country. 

MSU System President Lawyer Basari Mapupuno emphasized that this initiative aligns with their university's mandate to foster lasting peace in their area.

He maintained that one could relish tranquility, particularly in the Southern part of the Philippines, if everyone would pave the way for the Halal ecosystem. 

Mapupuno further emphasized the expectation for academic and intellectual rigor, aiming for a deeper comprehension of the concept, as it holds potential advantages for a broad population, applicable to both Muslims and non-Muslims.

“This is also an industry. It can benefit more people as it can employ. It is beneficial for all. MSU should be a social laboratory where we should understand each other and the culture of our fellow Filipinos. If our Christian brothers and sisters understand that we will have peace of mind if we observe Halal, then we will have peace in this part of the Philippines,” he said. 

Raheemah Peace Weavers Producer Cooperative President Sittie Aishah Baicon Cayongcat-Nuska, on the other hand, shared that they linked with the MSU system, seeing the university's important role in the realization of a thriving Halal ecosystem, considering that it has primary programs gearing towards the attainment of economic boost and the inclusive growth for individuals irrespective of their religions.

“The Mindanao State University has vital programs covering instruction, research, and community extension services. All of these, if put together, will have a theory of change crucial for driving economic growth within our community and the overall development of a person, whether a Muslim or non-Muslim,” she said.

Nuska anticipated the approval of the Halal curriculum by the MSU System's Board of Regents, which would subsequently be cascaded across its various campuses.

She also hoped to craft a roadmap to include promotion, research, and strategies to enable the community to enjoy, benefit from, and access the Halal industry. (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)