In an effort to bolster renewable energy-based salt production and foster sustainable practices among local fisherfolk, the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 9 (DA-BFAR 9) took a significant step forward by conducting a comprehensive two-day training entititled “Training on Solar Salt Project Technology with emphasis on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Safety Standard on Production (SSOP),” recently at Poblacion, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The training activity as organized by the Regional Fisheries Training and Fisherfolk Coordination Division (RTFCD) in collaboration with the Fisheries Production and Support Services Division (FPSSD) and Provincial Fishery Office of Zamboanga Sibugay, received crucial support from the Local Government Unity (LGU) of Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The training which aimed to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the solar salt production process from the initial stages of site selection to the final production and marketing aspects of the project was participated by 25 beneficiaries who were also recipients of the 50 units of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) salt drying platforms along with complete accessories. The said recipients are members of the Sunrise Salt Makers Association (SSMA) of Barangay Pulog, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, and the Litayon Island Salt Making Association (LISMA) of Barangay Litayon, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay. Topics discussed included the Overview of the Philippine Salt Industry, ASIN LAW, Salt Production Technology, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Safety Standards on Salt Production, and Proper Handling and Storage of Salt. Additionally, the training provided valuable knowledge on Salt Production Economic Analysis and offered practical demonstrations on the installation of salt bed platforms. The training program on solar salt project technology served as an important platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building in the field of renewable energy-based salt production by promoting sustainable practices and utilizing the power of the sun, thus revitalizing and supporting local salt production and minimizing the dependence on the importation of salt from other countries.
