NATIONAL HALAL FORUM: Sen. Cynthia Villar who was guest speaker in the National Halal Forum at Shangri-La Hotel in Makati last October 29, 2013 receives a plaque of appreciation from DOST XII Regional Director Dr. Haja Sittie Shayma Zenaida P. Hadji Raof Laidan during the National Halal Forum. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Villar assures to help hasten the growth and development of the halal industry. She says the industry is another niche market where Filipino food companies can gain solid foothold. She recently filed Senate Bill 312 or the Philippine Halal Act, which seeks to establish the Philippine Halal Accreditation and Regulatory Board.