SPDA to launch Halal Feeds Production Project in Zamboanga City
DAVAO CITY (June 3, 2025) – The Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) has officially acquired today the existing feed mill plant facility of Ascent Feed Specialist, Inc. which is strategically located at the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport, San Ramon, Zamboanga City, and this signals the green light for the upcoming launching of the project in time for the SPDA anniversary celebration next month.
With the operational capacity and logistical advantages necessary to support SPDA’s Halal feeds production and distribution goals, this Halal Feeds Production Facility is the Authority’s response to the increasing domestic and global demands for Halal-compliant food products in the country today and which prompted the SPDA to invest in Halal feeds production that adheres to international Halal standards, thereby creating value for Muslim and non-Muslim consumers.
The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement today between Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA) represented by Deputy Administrator Munap H. Pacio together with Operations Department Manager Cris B. Dagala and Ascent Feed Specialist, Inc. represented by its President Winston Yao Cabigon, is a strategic move that sets the foundation for the Authority’s Halal Feeds Production Project in Zamboanga City, DA Pacio said.
In February this year, an SPDA team had travelled to Malaysia for a benchmarking activity on the Halal Processes and Standards with the premier Halal institutions such as the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Halal Development Corporation (HDC) and University of Malaya particularly the Halal Research Centre (UMHRC).
The members of the SPDA delegation was led by Administrator and Chief Executive Officer Hon. Abdulghani “Gerry” A. Salapuddin who was accompanied by Deputy Administrator Munap H. Pacio, Corporate Affairs Department Manager Norhan A. Salih, and SPDA’s Special Envoy to Malaysia Mr. Farid Ibramim.
In his Social Media post, Deputy Administrator Munap H. Pacio said the acquisition of this feed mill plant facility at the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority and Freeport in San Ramon, Zamboanga City, is aligned with SPDA’s commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth and supporting the Halal industry in Mindanao.
Pacio added by integrating Ascend Feed’s technical expertise and production capabilities, the Authority is poised to establish a sustainable and Halal-compliant feeds supply chain that will surely benefit the local farmers, livestock producers, aquaculture industry, and the broaders Halal ecosystem. (Celestino B. Siglos, EdD)
