Recognizing the need to revive the national salt industry, the Department of Agriculture-Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (DA-PCAF), in collaboration with the DA- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and the DA-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), conducted the National Salt Industry Stakeholders’ Consultation on October 17-18, 2023 in San Jose De Buenavista, Antique.

More than 70 private stakeholders and government representatives from the different parts of the country convened to address the continuous decline in local salt production.

         

With the theme “Reviving the Struggling Salt Industry in the Philippines”, the activity aimed to generate policy recommendations and foster collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders.

Being one of the oldest goods produced, traded and consumed, salt is considered a very valuable commodity in the Philippines. In his message, Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta highlighted the importance of salt in food preparation, preservation, and processing.

“Kung mayroong food o magprocess ng food, kailangan ng salt. Ano kaya ang feeling na kumakain ka na walang salt? Just imagine,” said Antique Vice Governor Edgar Denosta.

       

Aside from the industry situation, speakers from various government agencies—such as the DA-BFAR, DA-NFRDI, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources—presented the latest interventions, studies, and technologies to encourage stakeholder participation and promote the adoption of modern salt production techniques. 

The Tamaraw Salt Producers Cooperative of Occidental Mindoro and the producer of Asin Tibuok in Bohol also shared their best practices to help other stakeholders realize enhanced productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

During her presentation, DTI-Region I Director Grace Baluyan underscored the importance of the  partnership between the public and the private sector, with the former providing assistance and the latter taking charge of the industry.

“We can only say that the industry has prospered once it’s private-sector led,” she expressed.

The three-day consultation ended with a total of seven resolutions, which was presented by PCAF’s Policy Development and Coordination Division Chief Engr. Francia Macalintal. One of the major resolutions included expediting the passage of the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, in the amendment of RA 8172 or the ASIN Law. A collaborative inter-agency approach in the formulation and implementation of the Salt Industry Development Action Plan and the National Iodization Plan was also recommended, along with the creation of the Philippine Salt Industry Development Roadmap. | Joy Camille Luza