Pangasinan is now home to the country’s first Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center, launched on February 16 to help address the nation’s salt shortage and strengthen local production.
The project is led by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) through its Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development (NICER) program, with P43 million in funding. Located at Pangasinan State University (PSU) in Binmaley, the center aims to improve salt production using modern technology and scientific methods.
Innovation Meets Salt Production
PSU President Dr. Elbert Galas said the facility seeks to increase both the quantity and quality of salt. “Traditional methods like solar drying often mix impurities, including microplastics, into the salt. This center aims to change that,” he said.
PSU researchers have developed a large-scale salt production machine with an automated filtration system that removes contaminants without manual cleaning. “This saves time, labor, and costs while ensuring cleaner salt,” Galas added.
The ASIN Center system can produce 300–350 liters of concentrated brine in about 3.5 hours, consuming roughly 30 kilowatts of electricity. It may also allow extraction of valuable minerals such as magnesium chloride, calcium, and potassium for industrial use.
Strengthening Local Production and Capacity
The Philippines currently imports about 93% of its salt, a figure DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. attributed to limited facilities, outdated techniques, and insufficient training. “This center represents a science-based approach to revitalizing the Philippine salt sector,” he said.
The ASIN Center features advanced labs, training spaces, and a salt production demonstration site. Solidum emphasized that new technologies are designed to complement and not replace the traditional methods. “Producers can choose to continue heritage practices or adopt modern techniques. Both can coexist,” he said.
Galas echoed this, noting that the center provides an alternative production pathway, particularly during the country’s long wet season when solar drying is impractical. “Our goal is to boost domestic salt output, reduce imports, and eventually position the Philippines as an exporter,” he added.
