A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between Cotabato State University (CSU) and Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of two (2) approved research projects of the university was held at the MOST Conference Room, ORG BARMM Compound early this morning, September 28, 2023. The MOA was signed by Dr. Sema G. Dilna, CSU president, and Minister Engr. Aida Silongan of MOST. MOST Director-General Engr. Abdulrakman Asim assisted with the agreement signing.

       One of the research projects is Developing Halal Seasoning by DR. TARHATA S. GUIAMALON, Dean of the CSU Graduate School and Project leader with her research team Dr. Arbaya H. Boquia, Dr. Pembain H. Solaiman, Asst. Prof. Armia K. Dilna and Instr. Bainorhata P. Solaiman.

       This research project aims to develop halal seasoning as an alternative to commercial seasoning for halal food. Additionally, the project will achieve the following objectives: (a) To standardize the formulation of the seasoning composition of the products; (b) To determine the nutritional facts of each product; (c) To examine the microbiological content of the products; (d) To determine the shelf-life of the developed products using a specific packaging material under ambient/room temperature; and (e) To submit the seasoning products for Halal certification and accreditation.

       Dr. Guiamalon was the proponent and project leader of the Certified Halal CSU Food Processing Centre funded by CHED which has produced 8 halal products namely: peanut butter, ginisang baling, chicken kagikit (regular and spicy), Spanish bangus sardines, tipaz, tinapayan, chili garlic sauce and has undergone various testing such as microbial, chemical, nutritional facts and shelf-life testing under the guidance of Department of Science and Technology (DOST XII) and SGS testing center.

       Dr. Dilna said that it is the university's responsibility as a Halal industry player to support Halal initiatives. This program is one of the university's initiatives to sustain the Halal certified Food Processing Center of the University. He further emphasized that this project will help not only the CSU community, Cotabato City but the entire Region to promote Halal. As MP Silongan point out, that this project will fulfill the needs of consumers on Halal products.

       The second research project is Supply chain assessment of selected Halal products in the bangsamoro by Instr. Baina Saway and Program head Rhanest S. Tilendo of the College of Agriculture and Fisheries' //Abduljabbar S. Guiamalon,CSU ULS