In a significant milestone for Philippine higher education and research, Prof. Cyril John A. Domingo, the Director for the R-XII Food Innovation and Processing Center in SKSU Isulan Campus, successfully completed his training in the UPM SEARCA International Research Knowledge on the Halal Industry Program in Malaysia. The program, which ran from September 3 to 16, 2023 was attended by thirty participants from 13 members of the State Universities and Colleges – Association of Colleges of Agriculture in the Philippines (SUC-ACAP).
Mr. Domingo’s participation in this program was made possible through a grant awarded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) funded project “Leveling-up Philippine Higher Education Institutions in Agriculture, Fisheries, and Natural Resources” of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in collaboration with the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education. The grant not only exemplifies the commitment of CHED to promoting international research collaborations but also recognizes the potential of individuals like Prof. Domingo to contribute to the growth and development of the Philippine agricultural and natural resources sector.
Hosted by the esteemed Halal Products Research Institute (HPRI) – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), the SEARCA International Research Knowledge on the Halal Industry Program is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum and the caliber of its participants. The program attracted scholars and experts from across the globe, making it an ideal platform for knowledge exchange and networking.
Prof. Domingo’s journey to this program began with a rigorous selection process, reflecting his dedication and passion for contributing to the advancement of the Halal industry in the Philippines. The Halal industry is a burgeoning sector with immense potential for growth and development, not only locally but also on the international stage. This program equipped Prof. Domingo with the necessary tools and insights to understand the intricacies of the Halal industry, its scientific, cultural, and religious significance, and its economic implications.
Throughout the two-week program, participants engaged in lectures, workshops, and hands-on experiences that covered a wide range of topics such as general overview of the halal industry, certification schemes, halal assurance system, standard and audit requirements, operational and documentation requirements, application process for halal, marketing, and branding.
In an interview, Mr. Domingo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying, “This program has broadened my horizons and deepened my understanding of the Halal industry. I am excited to bring this knowledge back to the Philippines and of course to Sultan Kudarat State University, which was identified as the Niche Center in the Region for Halal Goat Innovation Science Center.”
His accomplishment is a testament to the potential of SKSU researchers to excel on the international stage and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields. As he returns to SKSU armed with newfound knowledge and expertise, Prof. Domingo is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the Halal industry and contributing to the growth of the region’s agricultural and natural resources sector.
