NEWS




2July

LGU, MSU Gensan strengthens partnership on Halal industry, Madaris education

The Local Government Unit of General Santos City and Mindanao State University-General Santos recently concluded in a meeting on Friday (June 28) at the Chancellor’s Office that they will strengthen partnership to develop Halal industry and Madaris education in the city.

The two parties agreed to come up with a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize their partnership.

Karl Vincent Quiepo, Chief Administrative Office of the City Mayor’s Office, acknowledged the important role of MSU as key stakeholder to help in the development of town in various endeavors such as Madaris education, Halal industry, and tourism.

He noted that engaging into Halal food production will help boost the economy of the city.

Quiepo underscored the importance for LGU Gensan and MSU-Gensan to collaborate and leverage resources for the realization of the said engagement.

Dr. Ashari P. Ali, MSU-Gensan Chancellor, welcomed the initiative and expressed willingness in partnering with the local government to help the Halal industry development, improve Madaris education.

Ali said one of the topics that will be discussed in the upcoming international conference to be hosted by MSU-Gensan this July is about Halal. The school has invited a resource person from Brunei, an expert on Halal.

Leonard Flores, head of City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office, looked forward that MSU-Gensan will be visible in all undertakings on Halal industry development.

He also sought the assistance of the institution to provide technical experts that can help develop project proposals that will be submitted to foreign development partners.

The city government of General Santos is pushing for the establishment of Halal lanes in supermarkets to give comfort to Muslim consumers.

At present, the city council is also crafting an ordinance that will establish Halal production areas. Initially, Barangays Batomelong, Ligaya and Tincagakan are considered.

Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, Head of the City Mayor’s Office – Indigenous Cultural Communities Affairs Division, which facilitate assistance to the implementation of Madaris education, said MSU is a big help to improve the curriculum of 40 Madrasah centers.

She recalled that MSU provided assistance in curriculum development of Madaris education in Sarangani province. 

Kanda said CMO-ICCAD is undertaking innovations in project implementation to provide the young Muslim Madaris learners with quality education. There are 40 Madaris in the city facilitated by 140 Madaris teachers.