To facilitate the introduction of the salt program in the region, regional focal persons of the newly created law of RA 11985 or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, conducted an orientation to some key personnel of the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at the Butuan Bay Development Alliance (BBDA) Building, Ambago, Butuan City. The meeting was organized to inform DA-BFAR personnel on the Salt Program’s implementation, its status, and its economic value, which are essential in understanding the development of the country’s salt industry. Regional director Omnia B. Olama highlighted the importance of advancing salt development in the region. RD Olama emphasized that locally produced, quality-grade salt should meet health and safety standards as it is widely used for human consumption and commercial purposes. “Localizing salt production helps our farmers reduce financial burden from high market price, while also diversifying fertilizer sources,” RD Olama added.  Acknowledging the challenges in salt production, senior aquaculturist Elma Dupeño, regional focal person, stressed the need for a well-structured approach—from planning to the execution of a series of activities—to ensure the successful implementation of the Salt Program in the identified coastal areas. Dupeño also underscored that such progress can be attained through collaboration among various agencies and local government units.  The orientation was attended by representatives from the five Provincial Fisheries Offices, along with personnel from the Leasing and Licensing Section, Fisheries Production and Support Services Division, Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division, Budget Section, Information Unit, and Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Unit.### (BLG/Information Unit)