In a statement, Angeles said different national government agencies would work closely to enhance the development of the local salt industry, describing as “an unfortunate incident” the fact that the country imports 93 per cent of its salt requirements despite having 36,000 kilometres of shoreline.
The DA, through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources , would lead various research and development activities and provide technical assistance to marginal and artisanal salt makers, according to Angeles. The project is jointly undertaken by the BFAR central and regional offices and the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute.
The DA would also collaborate with national agencies, including the departments of environment and natural resources, and of trade and industry to further enhance the local salt industry, Angeles said. She added that the sector failed to adapt to the challenges caused by global climate change, food safety standards and quality requirements, and tariff reduction, and meet the mandatory requirements of Republic Act No. 8172, or the Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide .
The law also mandates the Department of Trade and Industry to assist and support local salt producers and manufacturers in upgrading their production technologies to include iodization by helping them obtain low-interest loans and financial assistance for the procurement of the needed machines, packaging equipment and technology, and fortificant, and by ensuring a systematic distribution of iodized salt in the market.