PHILIPPINE HALAL ACT HEARING: Senator Cynthia Villar, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Food, cited the need for the enactment of the Halal Act so that our local halal food producers can join $2.3 trillion global halal market, and make them globally competitive. During the public hearing at General Santos City, Villar assured producers of halal foods, and merchandises that she is pushing for the creation of Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board to boost the industry. Also in photo is Agriculture Sec. Proceso Alcala who was with the senator in the said public hearing.