Despite being surrounded by seawater, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said the Philippines has been importing 93 percent of its salt supply.
“ an unfortunate circumstance to a country with 36,000 kilometers of shoreline,” the agriculture department said in a statement.
Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban recently said the country is experiencing a shortage of salt as he revealed that the department is now working closely with government agencies to enhance the development of the local salt industry and enable the sector to be self-sufficient.
The move includes partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to boost production and supply the requirements of both commercial and industrial users.
“The DA, thru the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), will lead various research and development activities and provide technical assistance to marginal and artisanal salt makers,” it said.
The agriculture department said it will also work with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
“Under the ASIN law, DENR , along with other appropriate government agencies shall identify areas that are suitable for use as salt farms with the purpose of protecting such areas from environmental risks to ensure the sustainability of iodized salt production.”
It said the law also requires DTI to provide local salt manufacturers and producers with assistance and support to upgrade their production methods to include iodization.
This includes assisting salt farmers in obtaining low-interest loans and financial aid for the purchase of salt iodization machines, packaging technology, and fortifying agents, as well as ensuring the regular distribution of iodized salt in the market, the DA said.
In an earlier interview, Panganiban said the agriculture department will be including P100 million in the 2023 national budget for the improvement of salt production in the country.
What affected PH’s salt production?
According to the DA, several factors have contributed to the decline in salt production, including poor quality control and stalled product improvement for many years.
“Limited development has also been noted, including the lack of innovation and interventions, as well as low enterprise and investment opportunities that resulted in the decrease in the production of the said commodity,” it said.
The agriculture department said the salt sector has failed to adapt to the challenges posed by global climate change, food safety standards, quality requirements, and tariff reduction.
It also failed to meet the mandatory iodization mandated by Republic Act 8172, or the Act for National Salt Iodization, the DA added.