In a recent press conference at Kamuning Bakery Cafe, Congressman Wilbert Lee joined the Philippine Association of Salt Industry Inc. (PhilASIN) in support for the “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act“.
This is in light of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. recent signing of Republic Act (RA) 11985 last March 11, 2024. The act responds to the crisis and neglect that has plagued the salt industry for 3 decades.
Speakers at the Pandesal Forum were Congressman Wilbert Lee, Philippine Exporters Confederation (PhilExport) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. and PhilAsin President Gerard Khonghun, Moderator was Wilson Lee Flores.
Despite being an archipelago with extensive coastlines, the Philippines faced a severe crisis in 2021, importing 93% of its salt, mainly from Australia and China.
PhilASIN, comprising local salt producers from Pangasinan and Occidental Mindoro, advocated for increased government support for local salt production. This advocacy led to the filing of House Bill 1976 by Congressman Ron Salo in July 2022, supported by various stakeholders including the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and PhilExport.
The new law aims to bolster local salt production, revitalize the industry, and achieve self-sufficiency, potentially making the Philippines a salt-exporting nation. Gerard C. Khonghun, President of PhilASIN, emphasized the importance of supporting salt farmers to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to self-sufficiency.
Acknowledgments were extended to lawmakers and stakeholders who contributed to the law’s success. RA 11985 is expected to create 100,000 agricultural and green job opportunities in coastal areas, fostering economic growth and realizing the Philippine Salt Industry Road Map.
The law will provide salt farmers with financial, marketing, production, and technological support, recognizing their vital role in the industry.
The release also urges a shift in attitude towards the importance of salt and support for Filipino salt farmers, encouraging consumers to purchase locally-made sea salt. The journey towards building new salt farms and providing Filipinos with domestically-produced sea salt has commenced, signifying more than just salt—it’s a way of life.
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