The Construction of the Philippine Halal Laboratory building in Barangay Paraiso, Koronadal City is expected to be completed next year, provided all funds for the project are released on time. According to Regional Director Dr. Zenaida Hadji Raof Laidan of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) XII, the facility will be used to train food manufacturers and build a pool of halal certifiers in the country.

The project which was started in 2009 is being implemented by phase. Phases I to V, which correspond to the structural component of the building are fully completed. Phase VI or the architectural component are substantially completed, while Phase VII or other related activities are on-going.

The project cost was estimated at Php75 Million in 2008. However, inflation over the years has rendered the said cost estimate inadequate, thus, a bigger amount is required to complete the structure. The project was awarded to Marble Construction.

Per information from DOST Assistant Regional Director Sammy Malawan, for CY 2015 only PhP4.5 Million out of the proposed budget of PhP14.36 Million was approved. For CY 2016, DOST proposed a budget of PhP45 Million for the completion of the project.

The Philippine Halal Laboratory Building and Training Center was endorsed by RDC XII as one of the region’s priority projects. It is included among the Kilos Abante Programs/Projects under the Competitive Industry and Services Sector chapter of the updated SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Development Plan (RDP), 2014-2016.

The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) XII visited the project on May 14, 2015 and witnessed the masonry and finishing works, and the installation of travertine stone (steel frame). The installation of travertine stone is part of the program of works under Phase VII. (AYManlawe, NEDA XII-DRD)