by Rollin Dave Elloren

ALUBIJID, Misamis Oriental (Sept 27) – To boost local salt production and meet the increasing demand for both agricultural fertilizers and food-grade salt, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Region 10 (BFAR-10), led by Regional Director Edward B. Yasay, handed over various salt production equipment and materials amounting to P3.1 Million to salt producers here, this town.

As stipulated under the Department of Agriculture (DA) Memorandum Circular No. 36 series of 2022, also known as the implementing guidelines for the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), which is to provide continued support through the provision of appropriate technologies and various materials to enhance salt production and ensure the quality of the product.

The Baybay Loguilo Rural Workers Association (BLRWA), headed by its president, Ms. Elvie S. Isidero, along with its members, received input assistance from the bureau as one of the beneficiaries of the said project, which aims to enhance local salt production and support livelihoods in the area.

Likewise, the project will enable salt producers to produce various classes of salt to cater to different industries, including Class A salt, which is a high-quality salt for human consumption, and Class B and C salts, which are lower-grade salts primarily used as industrial and agricultural fertilizers, particularly for crops like coconuts.

During the turnover ceremony, BFAR-10 Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) Chief  Marlou N. Fernandez, emphasized the project’s significance in revitalizing the local salt industry, which has faced challenges from imported salt and declining production levels.

According to Fernandez, the annual salt requirement for the Philippines is 683,000 metric tons. Based on the report from the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), 93% of our annual requirement is imported, while only 7% of the total amount is produced locally.

“That’s why the DSIP was created because the government wants to revive its support for the salt industry in our country,” he stressed.

With Alubijid as the biggest beneficiary of approximately P6 Million allotted for this year in region 10; by 2025 this budget is anticipated to double to P12 million, and it is hoped that a significant portion of the funding will continue to be poured into this town as currently the largest salt-producing municipality, Fernandez added.

Moreover, with salt as a potential livelihood, Fernandez pinned his hope on the fact that if we could produce 20% of salt locally, it would be a significant contribution to our national salt requirements and also a great opportunity for creating a business that provides additional income.

“I hope that the project given to us by the government should be taken care of, nurtured, and ensured to provide a better life for us, as part of the office’s mandate to improve our livelihoods and provide income, in addition to the goal of increasing our salt production,” he said.

On the other hand, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) also has an increasing demand for salt as an agricultural input, particularly in coconut farming, where it is used as a fertilizer to enhance soil health and crop yields.

The production of Class B and Class C salt addresses this demand, positioning salt producers to benefit from this expanding market.

With the project being implemented, Director Yasay sought strong collaboration with the beneficiaries regarding the production data of salt, as it will serve as a feedback mechanism for the investment provided and as a basis for the bureau and the national government to determine what additional assistance can be given.

“We hope that your eagerness to accept this project will be reciprocated by your efforts to make this project successful,” he conveyed.

Further, Yasay urged the beneficiaries to work together with the LGU to implement the laws related to fishing and to assist in developing and protecting our natural resources.

“Our salt comes from the sea, so it is only right that we work together to protect our oceans, as they are the source of our livelihood;” he remarked.

As the turnover concluded, Ms. Isidero expressed her enthusiasm about the project and for the inputs they have received.

“Dako gyud ug ikatabang ang mga ingon ani nga klase nga proyekto sa gobyerno, labi na sa amo nga mangasinay dinhi sa Alubijid. Makahatag gyud kini ug dugang nga suporta sa among panginabuhian, ug isa pud nga maminusan ang among gastohon sa mga materyales nga gikinahanglan sa pag-produce sa asin,” Isidero said.

[These types of government projects are truly helpful, especially for us salt producers here in Alubijid. This will definitely provide additional support for our livelihood, and it will also reduce our expenses for the materials needed to produce salt.]

By providing necessary inputs and support to salt producers, BFAR seeks to optimize salt production during the peak season, capitalizing on the extreme heat from January to the second week of May, which is ideal for efficient salt evaporation.

The DSIP is a joint project of NFRDI and BFAR which aims to support salt industry stakeholders by providing research-based interventions for production, postharvest practices, and policy matters.