ILOCOS NORTE

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte has been chosen as one of the collaborators on the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), an initiative to enhance salt production and supply in the province.

Among its partner agencies are the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region I (DA-BFAR I), the Department of Science and Technology Region I (DOST-I), and the Don Mariano Marcos State University (DMMSU).

On March 3, DA-BFAR I, DOST-I, DOST Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI), and DMMSU, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the "One ASIN" (Accelerating Salt Innovation in Region 1) project at the Regional Freshwater Aquaculture Technology Demonstration Center (RFATDeC) Paoay, Ilocos Norte to address the country's food security issue on salt.

"We want to make sure na ang ating mga salt makers ay talagang nararamdaman ang tulong ng Provincial Government," Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc said during the signing of MOU. He also expressed his gratitude to the "One ASIN" project's key stakeholders.

Furthermore, DOST-ITDI is in charge of the technical expertise and has created various technologies on salt, while DMMMSU, through the DOST's Science for Change Program, has undertaken research on salt production. DOST-I serves as the lead and focal point for the planning and execution of all S&T programs and projects in the region.

 "We hope po na yung mga ibibigay ngayon na mga gamit ng BFAR ay gagamitin ninyo as you process. Pakibigyan niyo po ng puso ang paggamit. We hope na maging continuous po yung commitment natin na palaging maayos yung mga gamit natin para magamit pa ng mga susunod na henerasyon," OIC, Regional Director Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog highlighted during the signing of MOU.

Dr. Tabaoag also encourages salt makers in the province to improve the levels of salt production, as Ilocos Norte is known as one of the main coastal provinces in the country.

A total of 216 salt makers in the towns of Currimao, Badoc, Pasuquin, Vintar, Pinili, and Burgos received almost two million pesos worth of assistance, including their salt-making materials.

Gov. Marcos Manotoc further assured his kakailian (provincemates) that PGIN is always willing to assist with livelihood projects.