In a bid to integrate Halal technical vocational education and training (TVET), the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted a forum and industry consultation for the Halal industry.

Last July 31, TESDA Secretary Suharto T. Mangudadatu welcomed various embassy representatives including His Excellency Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to the Republic of the Philippines, industry representatives, and Halal stakeholders to the Industry Consultation – Stakeholders Forum for the Halal Industry.

The hybrid forum is part of the Agency’s efforts in ensuring responsive, demand-driven policies and programs, through industry consultation and prioritization process, to determine the skills requirements of the industry.

Secretary Mangudadatu shared that the consultation is just the first for the Halal industry as the development of Halal TVET is among his 10-point agenda when he assumed office at TESDA.

“The initial industry consultation is part of the TESDA’s prioritization process that allows the identification and prioritization of the skills requirements, including new and emerging skills, that shall be the basis in the development of TVET programs,” the Secretary said.

For his part, Ambassador Castelino expressed his support to the conduct of the consultation, stating the previous discussions on the Halal industry with the President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

During the forum, the Labor Market Information (LMI) Report on the Halal Industry was presented. This provides information about the industry’s situation both at the global and national context, and aims to determine the different occupations and skills requirements needed, assess the existing TVET programs and infrastructure, and recommend ways forward.

“This initiative will cater to industry needs with flexibility and cultural sensitivity, as reflected in TESDA’s advocacy on TVET for Social Equity,” Secretary Mangudadatu said.

The hybrid forum, which was attended by various embassy representatives, industry representatives and Halal stakeholders including Halal Certification Bodies (HCBs), was conducted at the Tandang Sora Hall, TESDA Women’s Center (TWC) in Taguig City.