Reviving the Philippine Salt Industry

Key Statistics

• The Philippines has one of the longest coastal areas in the world.
• Despite this, the country imports 93% of its salt consumption.

Historical Context

• A law was passed in the Philippines decades ago, making it illegal to sell non-iodized salt.
• This discouraged salt artisans and affected the local salt industry negatively.
• Specialty salts in the Philippines were largely inaccessible to consumers due to these regulations.

New Legislation: Republic Act No. 11985

• Also known as the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act.
• Mandates public lands to be designated for salt production to increase local output.
• Legalizes the sale of uniodized artisanal and non-food grade salt.
• Still requires forming a salt council to aid salt farmers.

Importance of Salt

• Salt is a cornerstone of cooking worldwide.
• Various countries have specialty salts that are highly valued.

Unique Filipino Salts

• The country has many heirloom salts due to its archipelagic nature.
• These salts were being forgotten due to previous legal constraints.
• New legislation could help these salts make a comeback in both local and international markets.

Artisanal Salt Processes

Pukin Sand Salt (Ilocos Norte)

• Process steps: Gathering sand, filtering seawater, boiling concentrated liquid, drying the salt.
• Tool: Patapa (a rock used to determine seawater salinity).

Irans or Salt Beds (Kawit, Cavite)

• Process: Cleaning salt beds, transferring seawater, evaporating seawater through different depositories.
• Levels: Deposito, Primera, Segunda, Tercera, Ultimo.
• Different salt harvest quality and uses.

Bub Salt (Miagao, Iloilo)

• Historical production of up to 10,000 sacks annually.
• Current industry decline due to climate change and younger generations losing interest.

Asin Tibabaw (Ilocos Sur)

• Arduous process involving coconuts and clay pots.
• Usually takes 3 months to produce high-quality salt.

Asin Buho (Zambales)

• Produced by the Panay-Yunan community with biodegradable packaging.
• Process: Collecting seawater-infused mud, filtering, cooking water.

Tulod Salt (Banga Husin Jordan)

• Longstanding tradition involving burning driftwood.
• Process: Extending seawater contact with ashed driftwood and filtering resultant seawater for salt.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Climate change and seasonal changes affect salt production quality and yield.
• Need for market support and consumer awareness.
• Some legislation moves are in progress to further help the salt industry, such as priority bills and forming councils.

Conclusion

• Salt making is a traditional yet vital industry in the Philippines with rich cultural heritage.
• Legislation changes provide opportunities for revival and growth.
• Consumer support and awareness are crucial for sustaining these artisanal practices.