TACLOBAN CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources(BFAR) in Eastern Visayas is encouraging coastal communities to venture into sustainable salt production as part of efforts to revive the local salt industry and create additional livelihood opportunities across the region.
The initiative was highlighted during a two-day regional orientation and stakeholders consultation under the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), which gathered private salt producers, traders, fisherfolk associations, and government agencies from the six provinces of Eastern Visayas.
“Today, we possess the land, the sand, the sea, and the labor. It is time to transition from passive consumers to salt-reliant producers,” said Loreginia Briones, DSIP regional focal person of BFAR-8.
The activity, held on May 27, aimed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and advance sustainable salt production in Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.
National Salt Program Management Office (NSPMO) Head Dr. Hannibal Chavez emphasized the importance of revitalizing the local salt industry, describing salt or “white gold” as more than just a commodity but a source of livelihood, opportunity, and hope for coastal communities.
Participants expressed optimism over the program’s potential benefits, particularly for island and coastal communities seeking alternative and sustainable sources of income.
Ruel Inoc, a fisherfolk participant from Dawahon Island in Bato, Leyte, said the initiative provides opportunities even for small island communities to engage in salt production and improve the livelihoods of organizations, associations, and cooperatives.
The consultation also highlighted the implementation of Republic Act No. 11985, or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, which seeks to modernize and strengthen the country’s salt industry while creating more economic opportunities for salt farmers and coastal residents.
Resource speakers discussed the Philippine Salt Industry Development Roadmap 2025–2040, the overview of the Development of Salt Industry Project, and the Salt Information Management System (SIMS).
Discussions likewise covered sustainable salt production technologies, including Solar Crystallization Modules, post-harvest handling practices, quality improvement measures, and salt convergence mapping.
The activity also served as a platform for stakeholders to raise concerns, share experiences, and identify ways to improve local salt production and enhance the market competitiveness of Eastern Visayas salt products.
Among those present during the consultation were Regional Fisherfolk Director Jesus Patilla, Farmer Regional Executive Director Engr. Miguel Pedroso, DSIP National Planning Focal Charmaine Buitre, representatives from BFAR-8 Regional and Provincial Fisheries Offices, and officials from partner national government agencies.
Representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) also joined the consultation to express support for the development of the salt industry and sustainable livelihood initiatives in Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
