The meeting was headed by BEZA Executive Director Atty. Sukarno A. Abas, with him, were BEZA Chief of Planning Mohaliden M. Mohammad and Attorney IV Maria Mikkoh R. Ortuoste-Samba, who provided an overview of the BEZA’s mandates, operations, and legal foundations. The LBO officials were also educated on the definition of an economic zone, its importance to the local economy, and the incentives available to businesses and developers operating in ECOZONES.

Moreover, ED Abas also shared his insights on the creation of the Halal Hub, its importance, its competitive edge in the halal sector, and the growth of the Bangsamoro area. Halal Hub is one of the economic zones that is envisioned to be established in BARMM that will create an impact on the economic growth of the region.

The officials and members of the LBO headed by their President Hashim B. Mantikayan expressed their esteemed interest in the Halal industry in BARMM which triggered the organization to audience on BEZA orientation. The LBO is a conglomeration of more than 600 civil society organizations coming from Cotabato City, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, Sultan Kudarat, and the Island provinces of Mindanao as well as in the National Capital Region.