A culmination program for the 2023 National Women’s Month was conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority XII via blended mode last 30 March 2023 and was participated by the PSA RSSO XII staff and employees including the members of the GAD Focal Point System (GFPS) in the PSA Provincial Offices. 

           The activity was highlighted by a presentation on Halal Awareness for Food Manufacturers and Halal R&D Facility by the Science Research Specialist of the Department of Science and Technology XII, Ms. Maritzu S. Sinolinding. In her presentation, she elaborated the halal food general requirements, the sources of halal food and restrictions, the halal requirements for premises/hotel/establishments. Ms. Sinolinding said that halal is defined as matters that are lawful and permitted in Islam based on the Shariah law and fatwa or legal opinion concerning Islamic law issued by competent Muslim scholar. Halal does not only pertain to absence of pork ingredients in food but also includes the cleanliness on the process of preparing it. She also presented the halal certification bodies in the Philippines such as the Halal International Chamber of Commerce and Industries of the Philippines Inc. (HICCIP), Halal Development Institute of the Philippines, Inc. (HDIP), Prime Certification and Inspection Asia Pacific, Inc. (PRIME), and many more. In addition, Ms. Sinolinding presented Examples of Halal-Certified Food & Beverages/Hotel/Restaurants and Halal R&D Facility.

          Meanwhile, Mr. Amenodin Samporna gave a lecture on Defining Halal and Haram in Islamic perspective. Mr. Samporna elaborated what are halal and haram in various aspects such as in food, thoughts and deeds. As the culmination program was conducted during the month of Ramadhan, also included in his presentation was the acts and deeds that invalidates the fasting during the holy month of Ramadhan.

           The activity was wrapped up with an awarding ceremony in recognition of empowered women in PSA XII.