LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte -- The provincial government Ilocos Norte aims to enhance the production and supply of salt after the province was chosen as one of the collaborators on the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP).

Among the partner agencies of Ilocos Norte in the project are the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region I (DA-BFAR I), the Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-I), and the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU).

On March 3, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte and its partner agencies inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the "One ASIN" (Accelerating Salt Innovation in Region 1) project at the Regional Freshwater Aquaculture Technology Demonstration Center (RFATDeC) Paoay, Ilocos Norte to address the country's food security concern on salt.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc expressed on Saturday his gratitude to the “One Asin” project’s key stakeholders.

“We want to make sure na ang ating mga salt makers ay talagang nararamdaman ang tulong ng Provincial Government,” said Governor Manotoc, assuring his constituents that the provincial government is always willing to assist with livelihood projects.

He said the DOST is in charge of the technical expertise and has created various technologies on salt, while DMMMSU, through the DOST's Science for Change Program, has undertaken research on salt production. DOST-I serves as the lead and focal point for the planning and execution of all S&T programs and projects in the region.

DOST Region 1 OIC Regional Director Teresita A. Tabaog encouraged salt makers in the province to improve the levels of salt production as Ilocos Norte is a coastal province.

A report from the Ilocos Norte Communication and Media Office stated that a total of 216 salt makers from the town of Currimao, Badoc, Pasuquin, Vintar, Pinili, and Burgos received almost two million pesos worth of assistance, including their salt-making materials.