THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority recently conducted a forum and industry consultation for the Halal industry.

TESDA Director General Suharto Mangudadatu joined embassy representatives including Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to the Philippines Dato’ Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, other industry representatives and Halal stakeholders including Halal Certification Bodies during the Industry Consultation – Stakeholders Forum for the Halal Industry held TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City on July 31.

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

Mangudadatu said that the consultation is just the beginning as the development of Halal TVET is among his 10-point agenda.

“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,” he said.

Ambassador Castelino expressed his support for the initiative.

Also during the forum, the Labor Market Information 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,” Mangudadatu said.