Office of Undersecretary Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, CESO I

The journey toward elevating the Halal industry took a significant step forward as our Group CEO, Dr. Mary Jane Alvero–Al Mahdi, met with key leaders from the Philippine Department of Agriculture, chaired by Hon. Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.

Also present were Hon. Undersecretary Engr. Zamzamin Ampatuan and Undersecretary Philip Young. This meeting opened doors for future collaboration and deeper engagement in advancing the Halal food industry.

Together, we move forward in building a more inclusive and globally connected Halal ecosystem.

Day 1 of Ang Sarap! Philippine Food Festival was a flavorful success!🎉🍽️

Yesterday's opening was made even more special with the presence of DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra, Chairperson of the National Steering Committee for FFM 2025, together with Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Program Director of the HALAL Food Industry Development Program, and a representative from the Department of Tourism. 👏

Hosted by the Department of Agriculture – Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (DA-AMAS), the festival features a lively marketplace filled with local delicacies, indigenous ingredients, fresh produce, and food innovations from 34 FCAs and MSMEs from across the country — all available for sale! 🧺🛍️🌾

Looking for something masarap and sulit? Come shop and support our local farmers and food entrepreneurs!

📣 Coming up today (April 26):
Catch the Usapang Agribiz Investment Forum, featuring DA-assisted Young Farmers under the Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) Program in panel discussions on agribusiness and innovation! 🌱💬

📍 Ayala Malls Manila Bay
🗓️ April 25–27, 2025
⏰ Mall hours

Let’s keep the momentum going — shop local, eat local, and celebrate Filipino food culture with us!
Kita-kits sa Ang Sarap! 😋🛒

🚨 𝐆𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐉𝐎𝐁 𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘! 🚨

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is hiring under a Contract of Service for key positions in Davao City, supporting Mindanao’s agricultural development and the Halal industry.

📌 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

𝐃𝐀-𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞

📌 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈 (𝐒𝐆 𝟏𝟓)
🔹 Assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Halal industry-related projects.
🔹 Conduct research and feasibility studies to support Halal program initiatives.
🔹 Prepare project proposals, progress reports, and other documentation.
🔹 Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and Halal certifying bodies.
🔹 Monitor project milestones and ensure compliance with program objectives.

📌 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐈𝐈 (𝐒𝐆 𝟏𝟖)
🔹 Manage and oversee budget preparation and financial planning for the Halal Program.
🔹 Ensure efficient allocation and utilization of funds following government policies.
🔹 Prepare budget forms, budget justifications, and expenditure tracking.
🔹 Coordinate with financial institutions, auditors, and oversight agencies for budget-related matters.
🔹 Provide recommendations on budget adjustments and funding strategies to enhance program sustainability.

📍 Place of Assignment: Davao City

📩 Submit your resume and Personal Data Sheet (PDS) to: [email protected]

Be part of our mission to strengthen Mindanao’s agricultural sector and expand the Halal industry!

The Halal Expo Philippines team is honored to have joined esteemed industry leaders at the Stakeholders Recognition Day and Gala Night 2025 at Al Habtoor Palace, UAE. This event highlighted our commitment to fostering strong partnerships and promoting excellence within the halal industry.

Congratulations to our valued exhibitor, Miguelitos Ice Cream, for being recognized with the Excellence Award by Prime Group! We are proud to celebrate your success and the innovation you bring to our community.

We look forward to continued collaboration and shared achievements with our industry partners!

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐆𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒: 𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅 – 𝐍𝐂𝐑

𝐍𝐂𝐌𝐅-𝐍𝐂𝐑 𝐌𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐔𝐒𝐄𝐂 𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐘 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐏𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐂𝐑

14 FEBRUARY 2025 | The NCMF-NCR Regional Office led by Regional Director Dimapuno A. Datu-Ramos, Jr., through the Socio-economic Development Division headed by Chief Ma. Lina U. Batacan, held an initial meeting on February 13, 2025 with Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan. The meeting served as a platform to discuss the partnership between the NCMF-NCR and the DA.

Director Datu-Ramos raised the utilization of Islamic microfinance for Muslim Filipinos who are unbanked and are interested to go into urban agriculture. He also suggested the creation of an Islamic Microfinance Regulatory Council, with NCMF, DA, SEC, DTI, DOF, and DSWD as members since the existing Microfinance Act is generic. NCMF-NCR SEDD staff Yusoph Mangandog presented and discussed the following:
1. 2025 plans for Muslim MSMEs and communities
2. Partnership and collaboration of programs with NCMF and Department of Agriculture
3. Partnership with AGREA
4. Other initiatives of the NCMF-NCR

USEC Ampatuan welcomed the proposal and will look forward for the partnership with NCMF. He requested for data particularly the status and position of Muslim population and Halal businesses in Metro Manila. He expounded on the Department of Agriculture main goal is to address accessability and affordability for the benefit of Muslim communities through strengthening of supply chain and self-generation supply in Metro Manila.

In attendance were NCMF-NCR SEDD staff Rehamna Mama, Yusoph Mangandog, Sihaboden Cosain, Amer Lomondot, Sapia Guialel, Zenaida Bantuas, and PMO Dr. Fatimah Datu Ramos.

| The theme "Strengthening the Halal Landscape Towards Greater Opportunities" was highlighted during the SOCCSKSARGEN Gems: Agricultural Products Expo 2024, held from November 21-23, 2024, at SM Mall of General Santos. This event coincided with the 2nd Regional Halal Agri-Fishery Congress, which also held in the same city.

It was a major gathering aimed at promoting halal and organic agricultural products and fostering collaboration between local producers, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. Spearheading the event was the Department of Agriculture Director for the Halal Program, Undersecretary Zamzamin L. Ampatuan. Alongside him, the DA 12 Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD) played a crucial role in organizing and executing the event.

In his keynote message, Usec. Ampatuan reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for halal and organic industries to thrive. He noted that efforts to promote these sectors would not only enhance local production but also open up greater export opportunities for Philippine-made halal products.

Local exhibitors from various provinces in the SOCCSKSARGEN region showcased a wide array of halal-certified and organically produced agricultural products, both fresh and processed. The event provided a platform for these local businesses to network, collaborate, and explore new market opportunities. Attendees included local government officials of the city, business leaders, and representatives from partner media outlets, all of whom expressed strong support for the event’s goals and the promotion of halal-certified products.

The Department of Agriculture - Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (DA-PHilMech), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MAFAR-BARMM), concluded the provincial turnover and agricultural machinery distribution worth ₱117.73 million under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) - Mechanization Component on November 20, 2024, at the BARMMIAFRC in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.

A total of 16 Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) from the Province of Maguindanao del Norte, and 60 FCAs and 1 Local Government Unit (LGU) from the Province of Maguindanao del Sur, received the agricultural machinery. These machineries will be used for land preparation, crop establishment, harvesting, drying, and milling operations.

Present at the event were Congresswoman Bai Dimple I. Mastura of the Lone District of Maguindanao del Sur and Cotabato City; DA Undersecretary for Mindanao and BARMM Zamzamin L. Ampatuan; MAFAR BARMM Minister Mohamad S. Yacob; MAFAR BARMM Deputy Minister Aisah D. Abdula-Sanggacala; MAFAR Maguindanao Provincial Director Ronjamin Maulana; PHilMech Chief Rodelio G. Idago; and other representatives from various BARMM offices.

Day 2 is in full swing at !

Kicking things off with a powerful first presentation session, where industry pioneers unveil bold ideas, breakthrough innovations, and fresh perspectives redefining the halal market. Ready to witness the next wave of halal transformation? 🌍🚀

Be inspired and engaged with every insight!

https://www.saudihalalexpo.com/visitor-registration

On September 13, 2024, The Department of Agriculture, represented by Undersecretary Engr. Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, together with Maguindanao del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu, led the Simultaneous National Distribution of Government Assistance under the "Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat" program in Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Sur.

This effort supported DOLE's Tupad Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) cash-for-work program and DSWD's Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) beneficiaries including appliance and rice distributions, in celebration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr.'s birthday.

🌾🤝 DA Joins ICCMN Caravan in Camp Omar and Camp Badre 🤝🌾

On August 29, 2024, Undersecretary Zamzamin L. Ampatuan, representing the Department of Agriculture (DA), participated in the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) Caravan held in Camp Omar and Camp Badre, Maguindanao del Sur. The event, which brought together officials from the national government and Ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reflects the national government’s firm commitment to the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F).

Undersecretary Zamzamin L. Ampatuan emphasized the importance of agriculture in building a peaceful and prosperous Bangsamoro. His message focused on empowering Bangsamoro communities through sustainable agricultural initiatives, providing livelihood opportunities for former combatants, and securing food stability in the region. By supporting these efforts, the Department of Agriculture contributes to long-term peace and development.