MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON –Small-scale salt producers gained prominence during the Salt Consumer Forum and Market Matching conducted by Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region-10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) in Bukidnon on June 18, 2026, at the Kisolon Freshwater Fish Production and Regional Training Center (KFFPRTC) in Sumilao, Bukidnon. 

Through its Development of Salt Industry Program (DSIP), the event convened salt producers, suppliers, local government units (LGUs), consumer institutions, government agencies, buyers, and other industry stakeholders to discuss market demand, quality standards, and strategies to strengthen partnerships and expand market opportunities for local salt producers. 

The forum kicked off with Mary Joy A. Tac-an, Provincial Fishery Officer of Misamis Oriental and DSIP Regional Focal Person, who provided participants with an overview of the program and the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act (Republic Act No. 11985). She laid the groundwork for succeeding discussions, where representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), SANTEH Feeds Corporation, and salt suppliers and producers from Cagayan de Oro City and Alubijid, Misamis Oriental exchanged insights on current market demands, quality requirements, and potential business partnerships.  

During the forum, consumer institutions also presented their salt requirements and product specifications, giving local producers a clearer picture of market expectations. This was followed by a market matching session, where producers and prospective buyers explored potential supply arrangements and forged new business partnerships. The discussions highlighted the increasing demand for locally produced salt and underscored the need to expand production to meet the growing requirements of institutional and commercial markets. 

Mrs. Elvie S. Isiderio, President of the Baybay Loguilo Rural Worker Association in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, shared the perspective of small-scale salt producers and market opportunities. She appealed for continued support from government agencies, investors, and industry partners, emphasizing that stronger collaboration would help address the challenges faced by local salt makers and improve their livelihoods by saying,

“Ang among hangyo mao nga padayon unta ninyo kaming suportahan ug ilhon isip inyong mga kaabag sa industriya sa asin. Wala pa man gud ninyo makita ang tinuod nga kahimtang sa among pagpanginabuhi ug ang among paningkamot aron makahatag og mas maayong kaugmaon ug edukasyon sa among mga anak. Dako kaayo ang among paglaom nga pinaagi sa tabang sa mga investors ug mga kauban sa industriya, mas molambo pa ang panginabuhian sa gagmay’ng mga mag-aasin.” 

The forum marked another step toward building a more sustainable and competitive salt industry in Northern Mindanao by strengthening partnerships among government agencies, local government units (LGUs), salt producers, buyers, and other industry stakeholders.As one of the key directions discussed during the activity, participants explored the proposed transport of raw salt materials from the salt-producing areas of Alubijid and Cagayan de Oro City to Bukidnon for processing into iodized salt. 

The initiative is expected to expand market opportunities for small-scale salt producers, add value to locally sourced salt, and further strengthen the regional salt value chain. In support of the program’s implementation, the Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO) in Bukidnon will build on the momentum of the forum by pursuing another market matching activity to engage additional stakeholders and potential buyers. 

In collaboration with interested local government units (LGUs) and fisherfolk organizations, the office also aims to identify prospective salt processing sites and support the implementation of future Development of Salt Industry Program (DSIP) initiatives.  (PFO Buk’non/JM Murillo)