SALT PRODUCTION IN THE PHILIPPINES
(1990s to PRESENT)The Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center, inaugurated on November 16, 2023, is a pioneering institution funded by the Department of Science and Technology under the NICER (Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D) Program. With an allocation of 93.57 million pesos, the center embarks on a two-year program to enhance salt production technologies and methodologies. Located at the Pangasinan State University Binmaley Campus, the center is committed to improving existing salt production processes and discovering new applications for salt. It serves an essential role in empowering small-scale salt producers through education and support, helping them to boost their production efficiency and foster the quality of their salt output.
The ASIN Center has 3 divisions namely Membrane Science and Separation Technology Division, Salt and Engineering Facility Division, and the Administration, Finance and Linkages Division. Each division is staffed by individuals with expertise relevant to the specific operational focus of that division.
The Membrane Science and Separation Technology Division is primarily engaged in research and development in the field of membrane science, a critical area for advancing technologies in saltwater separation and purification. This division explores and innovates in membrane technology, which plays a vital role in the effective separation and purification processes of various substances, with a particular focus on saltwater. It involves designing, testing, and enhancing various types of membranes to improve the efficiency in separating saltwater from other materials.
The Salt and Engineering Facility Division is primarily engaged in development of modern salt production technologies. This division focuses on innovating and improving the methods and equipment used in the extraction and processing of salt. It responsible in researching and implementing more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective techniques for salt production.
The Administration, Finance, and Linkages Division is responsible for overseeing the administrative, financial, and external relationship aspects. This division plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the center by managing its day-to-day administrative functions.
Local Partnership
The center has established a strong local partnership network, collaborating with key academic and government entities to enhance its research and development projects in salt. These partnerships include alliances with esteemed universities such as Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU), and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). Further, the center is steer by various government sectors include the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region 1, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region 1, DOST’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 1, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 1, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region 1, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 1, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 1, and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan. Additionally, the center is also partnered with PhilASIN, an organization dedicated to the advancement of the salt industry.
International Partnership
The center is in partnership with Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI) in Bhavnagar, India. CSMCRI, a laboratory under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), specializes in marine chemistry, biotechnology, and analytical and engineering research and development. Another international collaborator is the Salt Industry Center of Japan, located in Odawara City, Kanagawa, Japan. This institute is dedicated to studying various aspects of salt production, including ion exchange and vacuum evaporation method.
ASIN Center four main components
1. Development of sustainable and climate-resilient salterns
2. Establishment of an Asin R&D Center
3. Artisan Salt Technology Innovation and Preservation
4. Value Adding of Sea Salt and Utilization of its Byproducts
History
1980-1990
1995
The Republic Act No. 8172, otherwise known as “ASIN Law” was enacted to combat iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in the country. -The law mandated all producers and manufacturers of food-grade salt to iodize the salt they produce, manufacture, import, trade, or distribute.
2009
Country’s annual salt requirement: 590,000 MT Salt sufficiency: 28% Local salt production can no longer meet the overall demand which gave rise to more salt importation.
2016
Salt sufficiency: 20% -80% amounting to $24.4 million worth of salt is imported -International Trade Center
2020
Country’s annual salt requirement: 683,000 MT. Salt Sufficiency: 7% -Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc.
2021
On May 2021, Resolution No. 171 was adopted by the House of Representatives. It urges the DA, BFAR, DENR, DOST, DTI, and CDA to consider salt producers as part of the Fisherfolk sector. A PHP100 million budget was released to revitalize 2021 the industry.