The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has called for stronger safeguards for Filipino salt farmers, citing an influx of foreign imports threatening local livelihood.
Speaking to industry stakeholders at the recent National Salt Industry Forum held in Zamboanga City, BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig called for the urgent revitalization of domestic salt production, saying national self-sufficiency must trump reliance on imported salt.
He echoed the forum’s theme “Pasiglahin at Tangkilikin Sariling Asin Natin,” saying it’s a call to action that should prompt consumers to patronize local salt.
“We are here to ensure our local salt farmers are equipped with the technology and market connections necessary to thrive. By buying our own salt, we do not only secure a staple commodity but also uplift the livelihoods of thousands of coastal families,” Mr. Salilig said.
To address market pressures that small-scale salt producers face, Salilig outlined strategic post-harvest interventions designed to make local salt more competitive. These include the construction of a dedicated salt warehouse in Taguig, which aims to enhance storage capacity and serve farmers who rely on temporary storage solutions.
He also advocated for the nationwide deployment of solar-powered ice-making machines integrated with generators to modernize coastal production infrastructure.
Mr. Salilig also highlighted the strategic importance of Zamboanga and neighboring regions in the national salt roadmap, citing the area’s abundant natural resources and traditional salt-making expertise as key assets to counter the threat of foreign imports.
At the national salt forum, local farmers took part in a high-impact Market Matching session, which gave them the opportunity to negotiate directly with industrial buyers, food processors, and retailers. The activity bridged the supply-demand gap and bypassed traditional bottlenecks hampering the local salt industry.
Mr. Salilig affirmed BFAR’s sustained support for local farmers, vowing to provide technical assistance, modern post-harvest facilities, and credit support to salt-producing communities.
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