by Villa Flora M. Rosos

ALUBIJID, Misamis Oriental (May 27) – In a strategic effort to revitalize the Philippine salt industry and uplift coastal communities in Northern Mindanao, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 (BFAR-10), through its Provincial Fisheries Office of Misamis Oriental (PFO-MisOr), successfully conducted a Trainers’ Training on Salt Production under BFAR’s Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP) on May 22-23, 2025, this town.

With the theme “Pasiglahin, Sariling Ating Asin!”, the event convened provincial post-harvest focal persons and their alternates and the Fisheries Extension Workers (FEWs) from the host province, aiming to enhance their knowledge in sustainable salt production technologies. The undertaking directly supports BFAR’s mission to improve fisheries post-harvest practices and promote sustainable livelihood opportunities for the fisherfolk. 

DSIP Regional Focal Person Mary Joy Tac-an presented an overview of the DSIP and Region 10’s salt project implementation status while Postharvest and Marketing Staff, Leah Bucog lectured on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Hygiene Practices (GHP), and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP)—crucial topics that ensure the quality, safety, and market readiness of locally produced salt. These foundational principles are vital in helping participants appreciate and practice industry-level food safety practices to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Under the expertise of the resource person, LGU Alubijid Fisheries Extension Worker Christine Jean Noblezada, the two-day activity was composed of comprehensive lectures and hands-on activities. It concluded with a dynamic field demonstration on salt bed preparation, providing participants a valuable opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting and reinforcing their learning through immersive, practical experience.

Meanwhile, PFO-MisOr Arlene Novo, emphasized the potential and importance of local salt in the market and its role in livelihood development and the need for appropriate support, in terms of resources, technology and innovation from the government and other stakeholders. 

The training activity underscores BFAR’s direction to improving fisheries productivity and product competitiveness through fisherfolk empowerment toward uplifting the socio-economic status of coastal communities in the region.