The Islamic Studies Program (ISP) of the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies, in partnership with the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, conducted a validation meeting to review the findings and policy recommendations of the study titled “Halal Accessibility to Muslim PDLs and Trainees.” The activity was held on April 16, 2026, at Room 104-B, Virata Hall, Institute for Small-Scale Industries, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.
Facilitated by ISP Convenor Asst. Prof. Darwin J. Absari, the validation meeting covered the project’s background on halal compliance in Philippine correctional facilities and security institutions, contextual lectures on historical prejudices between Muslims and non-Muslims during the Spanish, American, and Japanese periods, and contemporary studies aimed at leveling off understanding and raising awareness of the research context. He also presented the study’s current findings, status, and policy directions. Using field visits, interviews, and stakeholder consultations, the study assessed halal accessibility for Muslim trainees and Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) across selected institutions, noting varying levels of compliance. While the Philippine Coast Guard relies on informal assurances and food segregation without formal certification or dedicated facilities, the Philippine National Police implements non-pork meal provisions and utensil segregation in Muslim training areas. The New Bilibid Prison demonstrates more structured mechanisms, including designated Muslim focal persons, ISO-based procedures, and a mosque within its compound, with prayer spaces generally available across institutions despite occasional lapses in food handling.
Despite these practices, the study identified several gaps, including the absence of a unified halal policy, lack of formal certification and dedicated kitchens, insufficient staff training, shared food preparation areas, and limited awareness of broader halal requirements. It also highlighted weak coordination with the wider Muslim community, particularly in providing timely support for Muslim PDLs in critical situations. To address these concerns, the study recommends the adoption of standardized halal policies, mandatory cultural sensitivity training, provision of designated prayer spaces, and more proactive institutional accommodation. It further calls for strengthened coordination with accredited halal certifiers, deeper engagement with Muslim organizations, improved psychosocial and reintegration support for Muslim PDLs, and the possible hiring of additional Muslim personnel in facilities with significant Muslim populations.
The validation meeting concluded with an open forum where participants raised questions and provided additional recommendations to strengthen halal compliance within their respective security institutions. The activity forms part of the broader project, “Halal Compliance in Philippine Correctional Facilities and Security Institutions,” which examines current practices and proposes policy measures to better support Muslim inmates and trainees in observing their religious dietary obligations.
The event was attended by representatives from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Corrections, the House of Representatives, and Thinking Ummah.
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Article by: Camille Lucille Bello | Photos by: UPCIDS-ISP
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