DOST XI, PWC launch PH’s 1st Halal Research and Innovation Center

DOST XI Regional Director Anthony Sales 

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XI officially launched the first Research and Innovation Center for Halal Science (RICHeS) at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) of Davao in a bid to boost the country’s Halal industry.

RICHeS will serve as a center for cutting-edge research, various Halal innovation programs, and capacity-building activities to further assist the growing Halal market.

The center is equipped with various facilities such as a gas range, freezer, refrigerator, proofing cabinet, kitchen hood, stainless steel tables, LED screen display, stainless steel racks, mixer, induction cooker, rice cooker, food processor, pressure cooker, and pasta maker to aid in innovation and Halal Research and Development (R&D) activities.

Prof. Vicente Antonio Pijano III, PWC chancellor and chief operating officer, said the center will be at the forefront of pioneering research to drive innovation and foster collaboration in the Halal industry.

“This event is a testament to the unwavering testament of DOST and PWC to propel the Halal ecosystem forward. As we launch the center and embark in this transformation journey, we must remember that together we can shape the future of the Halal industry and become a model of excellence for the global community,” he added.

DOST XI Regional Director Anthony Sales said the establishment of the center started as a dream after seeing the importance of putting more focus on R&D and capability building for Halal stakeholders.

“When we were consulted for the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act, we recommended the establishment of Halal R&D and training facilities as a component of the program that will be implemented by DOST,” he added.

The center was established through the DOST Halal Research Ecosystem for Development and Innovation Program. The program aims to support the development of the Philippine Halal tourism industry.

“This is something that we can be proud of as a contribution to the S&T Community and to the overall program of government on Halal,” Sales said.