DoST backs Muslim food industry

By Aquiles Zonio

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines--The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is exerting efforts to boost the country's halal industry using technological and scientific innovations.

Dr. Zenaida Laidan, DOST regional director, said this will be the focus of the three-day 1st National Halal Forum to be held at Phela Grande Convention Center here on February 28 to March 1.

Halal is the permissible food for Muslims or the followers of Islam.

The highlight of the event, which can be viewed live through the internet, will be the launching of the "Philippine S&T (Science and Technology) Program for the Development of Halal Industry" and ceremonial groundbreaking of the first Halal Standards and Testing Laboratory in the country.

The P200-million worth lab project, Laidan said, would be put up in Koronadal City, the regional government center.

Renowned international experts from the fields of science, halal industry and shariah (Islamic law) will also be arriving to address the forum.

Laidan said the forum would synchronize various strategies for the development of halal industry in the country.


Husky Bus Driver, Conductor Slain

A driver and conductor of the Husky Bus Company were shot to death yesterday at past 5pm somewhere between crossing Salbo, Datu Unsay Ampatuan and Talayan in Maguindanao.

The fatalities were identified as Manny Abdullah, driver, residing at Campo Muslim, Cotabato City and Joel Andang, conductor, and residing at Bagontapay, Tulunan, North Cotabato. A passenger by the name of Rolando Sudulan was also wounded in the incident.

Police authorities said that the two unidentified assailants rode the bus before the town of Guindolongan and shot the victims before reaching crossing Salbo. The bus was on its way to Gensan.

Police theorized that the assailants could be former passengers who might have harbored personal grudge against the bus driver and conductor.