The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is mapping the calamansi supply chain in Oriental Mindoro as part of efforts to develop a more organized, competitive and halal-ready industry in the province.
DTI’s Supply Chain and Logistics Group, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Service Industries Inc. (PASIA), conducted a focus group discussion on the halal calamansi supply chain on Oct. 6 at the Provincial Agricultural Center in Victoria town.
The activity brought together calamansi farmers, processors and retailers, as well as representatives from national and local government agencies and the academe.
DTI said the discussions were aimed at gaining a clearer picture of the existing supply chain, identifying bottlenecks and determining opportunities to improve the industry from production to the market.
Participants discussed the roles of various stakeholders involved in moving the fruit from farms to consumers.
The PASIA consultant team facilitated discussions on the supply chain, including the differences between conventional and halal-compliant processes. Halal means any commodity like food which are permitted under Islamic law.
The participants also identified gaps and bottlenecks, examined potential improvements and discussed the responsibilities of stakeholders in addressing challenges in the industry.
The initiative seeks to prepare local calamansi producers and other industry players for opportunities in the halal market.
Oriental Mindoro is among the country’s major agricultural provinces, with calamansi among its important crops.