Philippine salt production topped 199,000 metric tons in the first half of the year, according to a recent report from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. The rise reflects a broader effort to revive the domestic salt sector and lessen reliance on imports.
Government program drives output up
The Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP) launched by the government aims to modernize salt farms across the archipelago. The agency said the initiative has spurred growth in artisanal, solar and cooking‑salt categories. “We are pleased with the improvement in salt output from January to June this year, reflecting gains of the DSIP,” National Director Elizer Salilig
Under DSIP, it has supplied solar beds, greenhouse‑type dryers, raised solar dryers, storage units and other tools to coastal producers. The bureau also conducts site assessments and salinity testing to confirm suitability for salt farming. These measures are intended to create sustainable, diversified livelihood options for fishing communities.
Case study: Tawagan Sur, Pagadian City
One of the most visible results comes from Barangay Tawagan Sur in Pagadian City. The community, originally organized in 2000 for seaweed cultivation, shifted to salt production after a group of 19 members—most of them women—received support. The group applied rigorous site assessments and installed a network of 12 ground‑level solar beds, four greenhouse dryers, 19 raised solar dryers and two storage facilities.
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In 2025 alone, the collective produced nearly 7 metric tons of high‑quality salt. Plans include adding an iodizing machine later this year, while the Department of Science and Technology offers technical assistance for iodization and value‑added product development.
Local agriculturist Engr. Ramon Rodrigo highlighted the broader impact. “Revitalizing the salt industry is essential to strengthening our local production. What we are seeing in Tawagan Sur is proof that with the right support, technical guidance, and community determination, we can produce high‑quality salt and secure sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
These community‑level successes illustrate a larger trend: the sector’s growth is not just a statistical bump but a shift toward more resilient coastal economies. When small groups can transition from seaweed to salt, they diversify income sources and reduce vulnerability to market fluctuations.
Adaptability matters in a country where many families depend on the sea for their daily bread.
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BFAR’s commitment to expanding DSIP suggests the agency plans to replicate the Tawagan Sur model in other regions. The bureau aims to cement the salt sector as a pillar of local economic growth and a source of national pride.
According to the report, national production continues to climb, though exact figures for the second half of the year remain pending. Ongoing monitoring will track progress against import reduction targets.
For readers seeking background on salt production processes, the Wikipedia entry on salt production provides a concise overview.
