by: Jessie Chris Apales

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental – In an effort to revive the local salt industry and improve coastal livelihoods, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region – 10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office (PFO)  in Misamis Occidental, held a Provincial Consultation on the development of Salt Industry in the locality.

Held at the Asenso Misamis Occidental Sports and Cultural Center (AMOSACC)  at the Provincial Capitol, the consultation brought together Municipal Agriculturists, fisheries extension workers, stakeholders, and representatives from various National Government Agencies (NGAs) and academic institutions to harmonize strategies and initiatives for the province’s salt industry development.

During the consultation, participants exchanged technical knowledge and best practices to improve salt production. The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Panaon Campus shared results from its salt techno-demo farm, showcasing new technologies and methods that can help increase productivity. Meanwhile, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) highlighted the role of salt in coconut farming, including proper application rates and its contribution to better crop yields.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) identified possible areas for salt production and provided guidance on requirements, regulations, and environmental measures needed to ensure sustainable operations. Other agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Baliangao School of Fisheries, also extended technical assistance and shared relevant interventions to support the initiative.

The activity was organized in coordination with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), with support from the Office of the Governor Hon. Henry Sevilla Oaminal. Among the key goals discussed were improving and expanding local production using science-based and climate-resilient technologies, identifying suitable sites for salt farming, strengthening collaboration among agencies, enhancing the skills of local producers, improving product development and marketing, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

As part of the consultation, a workshop was also conducted to gather inputs from stakeholders, identify priority areas, and collect essential data for the establishment of sustainable salt production sites in the province.

Launched last year, the Development of Salt Industry project (DSIP)  initiative continues to gain ground in Baliangao, Panaon, and Sapang Dalaga through the sustained efforts of BFAR-10 and its partner agencies, driving the growth of Misamis Occidental’s salt industry and strengthening its role in the country’s salt production sector.