Ilocos Norte has launched an innovative project aimed at revitalizing its salt industry. The opening of a gourmet salt processing and analysis center in Burgos town is set to help local salt producers create value-added products, with flavored salts now available in the region.
A Flavorful Transformation for Local Producers
The Mariposa Salt Producers Association, a group of local salt makers, is now trained to produce five gourmet salts: native garlic, black garlic, native garlic-onion, native onion, and gamet seaweed. These flavored salts will be sold at higher prices, ranging from PHP120 to PHP280 per bottle, compared to the traditional sea salt priced at PHP35 to PHP40 per kilo. This shift will help increase the income of local salt makers and introduce their products to new markets.
Larry Baniaga, president of the Mariposa Salt Producers Association, expressed gratitude for the support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which has been instrumental in the project’s success.
Government and Collaborative Support Driving Growth
The success of this initiative is a result of collaboration between various government agencies. DOST Regional Director Teresita Tabaog highlighted the center’s potential to serve as a model for other regions. With the help of agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry and Mariano Marcos State University, the region’s salt production has increased by 20%. This is part of the One Accelerating Salt Innovations (OneASIN) project, which aims to modernize the salt industry and create value-added products to make local producers more competitive.
Local Government's Commitment to Sustainability
The local government, led by Burgos Mayor Cresente Garcia, has pledged continued support for the processing center by providing personnel and funding honorariums for the workers. This collaboration ensures the sustainability of the project and the growth of the local salt industry.
With rising demand for salt, particularly in coconut farming, Ilocos Norte’s flavored salt initiative offers a promising future for local producers, modernizing the industry and enhancing the region’s economy.
