Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat—A halal slaughterhouse and processing center was opened on Thursday here, aiming to promote authentic halal meats in the area.
The inauguration was led by Sultan Kudarat State University president Dr. Rolando Hechanova, Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic Resources Research and Development Executive Director for Research and Development Dr. Edwin Villar, and other university and council officials.
The halal slaughterhouse is a project of SKSU funded by PCAARRD and is located at the university campus.
PCAARRD Applied Communication Division Director Marita Carlos said the council has funded four SKSU projects, including the slaughterhouse.
Goat meat or chevon will be specifically processed at the slaughterhouse to become halal certified, Carlos added.
Dr. Ruby Hechanova, SKSU faculty member and halal slaughterhouse project leader, said there are standard halal cuts for chevon, as witnessed by a local Muslim halal expert and goat growers.
Anna Marie Alo of PCAARRD Livestock Research Divison specializing on goat, said halal-compliant protocols for chevon production were developed and tested by university researchers in consultation with Muslim ulamas.
Alo said the protocols were not just based on religious foundations but on the technical aspect of clealiness, hygiene, and good health.
Project leader Hechanova cited the determination of PCAARRD officials in vigorously promoting science and technology in agriculture all over the country.