The Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga, along with representatives from various stakeholders in the region, participated in the Benchmarking on the Development of the Salt Industry Project (DSIP) held on May 27–28, 2025 in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.

The activity comes at a critical time for local salt producers, who are increasingly facing challenges in marketing their products due to intensified market competition and the dominance of commercially promoted iodized salt.

As part of the capacity development initiatives, the benchmarking activity served as a vital step in preparing the region to pioneer its own salt industry development program. Through exposure to proven salt processing technologies and on-site demonstrations, the team gained valuable knowledge on methods to enhance productivity and ensure sustainable output.

Teresita P. Senados, chairperson of the Hanagdong Salt Producer Association in Malimono, Surigao del Norte, shared during the post-assessment that salt production holds strong potential, especially since salt is a daily essential and a viable source of income for small fisherfolk.

“There’s money in salt production, with the support of programs like this, we can help uplift our communities,” Senados emphasized.

Stakeholders also noted a growing preference for home-use, traditionally made salt over iodized varieties, signaling an opportunity for locally produced salt to tap into niche markets.

Loreta C. Loren, municipal agriculturist of Malimono, expressed optimism that Caraga could soon position itself as a notable salt producer in Mindanao, contributing to local livelihoods and regional economic growth.

DA-BFAR Caraga extended its gratitude to DA-BFAR Northern Mindanao and the LGU of Alubijid for hosting the benchmarking activity, affirming its commitment to transforming the insights gained into concrete action plans that support salt producers throughout the region.### (Benjie L. Garay, Information Officer, DA-BFAR Caraga)

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