by Villa Flora M. Rosos

ALUBIJID, Misamis Oriental — In its continued effort to strengthen the local salt industry in the region, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), through the Provincial Fisheries Office of Misamis Oriental (PFO-MisOr), conducted a Marketing Strategy Training for Alubijid Salt Producers last April 11 in Barangay Baybay, Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.

The activity aimed to equip small-scale salt producers with the necessary tools and knowledge to improve their products’ marketability and competitiveness. 

Topics included identifying target markets, understanding consumer behavior, setting competitive pricing, and exploring value-added products such as iodized, organic, and gourmet salt products.

One of the highlights of the training was the lecture on product labeling and packaging, where participants learned the importance of visual appeal and proper information in attracting buyers, gaining consumer trust and expanding market reach.

BFAR-10 introduced affordable and practical packaging options and shared sample label formats that comply with basic labeling standards — including product name, weight, production date, and source, among others.

In addition to these technical inputs, PFO-MisOr also encouraged the participating fisherfolk associations to organize themselves into a cooperative, emphasizing the advantages of collective action towards economies of scale. 

Also, through a cooperative, producers can gain better access to markets, funding opportunities and other forms of support from both the government and private entities. Collaborative marketing and shared resources are seen as effective strategies for enhancing income and ensuring the sustainability of community-based salt production.

Che Sy, from BFAR-10’s Fisheries Post-Harvest and Marketing Section (PHMS), emphasized that salt production in Alubijid has a great potential, both in livelihood opportunities and in maintaining the cultural or municipal product identity.

BFAR-10 encourages all salt producers to diligently submit their monthly salt production reports for consolidation. This data is crucial in furthering support programs and policy interventions that address the target concerns for local salt industry development.

As the training participants expressed their appreciation to BFAR-10’s commitment in supporting their economic growth, the office affirmed its continued assistance as part of its broader coastal development and enterprise-building initiatives.