Oro Chamber advocates for Halal lanes in Cagayan de Oro

MindanaoToday.com | Oro Chamber advocates for Halal lanes in Cagayan de Oro

By: Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber) is spearheading an initiative to establish designated Halal lanes in Cagayan de Oro City. This move aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Halal products and services in the region, catering to the rising demand for Halal-certified goods.

In a recent statement, Engr. Cahulogan emphasized the importance of identifying these lanes stating, “In cities like Manila, residents can easily find areas such as Chinatown or Muslim neighborhoods. However, in Cagayan de Oro, we currently cannot answer where the Halal lane is.” She expressed the urgent need to create identifiable Halal lanes to better serve the growing demand for Halal-certified goods.

In a press conference, Engr. Avalyn A. Cahulogan, the President of Oro Chamber, emphasized the importance of identifying these lanes.

“In other cities like Manila, people can easily identify areas like Chinatown or Muslim neighborhoods. However, in Cagayan de Oro, we cannot answer where the designated Halal zones are,” she stated.

Preliminary plans suggest potential locations for these Halal lanes in both the uptown and downtown areas of the city. Specific areas of interest include Domingo Velez Street in the downtown and Masterson Avenue in the uptown.

Cahulogan hopes to finalize these proposals by the end of the Cagayan de Oro Business Enterprises, Services and Trade Exposition (Oro BEST Expo) 2024, which aims to promote Halal products and services in Cagayan de Oro and Northern Mindanao.

The Oro BEST Expo will serve as a platform for businesses and trade organizations to explore potential partnerships and collaborations within the Halal industry. It aligns with the broader goal of establishing the Mindanao Halal Corridor and positioning Northern Mindanao as a leading Halal Hub.

“It also aims to support for establishing the Mindanao Halal Corridor, positioning Northern Mindanao as a Halal hub, and developing a comprehensive Halal supply chain,” Cahulogan explained.

Key highlights of the event include a product showcase, knowledge-sharing sessions, a Halal food festival, and the establishment of the Northern Mindanao Halal Satellite Office, which will house a one-stop shop to link all stakeholders and ensure synchronized efforts, most especially expansion and recognition of Halal-certifying bodies.

Meanwhile, the National Commission of Muslim Filipinos praised the initiative by the Oro Chamber. Lawyer Muhammad Hussien Lucman, the acting chief administrative officer of NCMF-10, stated that it is commendable to see another entity, alongside the NCMF, actively promoting the Halal industry. (APB/PIA-10)

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