Parañaque, BFAR partner to revive salt industry

MANILA, Philippines — The Parañaque city government and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) signed an agreement this week to revitalize the city’s historic salt-making industry, giving livelihood opportunities to coastal communities.

The initiative, implemented under BFAR’s development of salt industry project, goes beyond standard iodized salt to combat childhood mineral deficiencies by providing innovations like gourmet and solar-evaporated varieties that are infused with locally sourced lemongrass, ginger, garlic, chili and malunggay.

City Councilor Carina Pablo Gabriel, committee on agriculture, fisheries and aquatic resources chair, sponsored the partnership under Resolution 656 to empower the Parañaque Women’s Fisherfolk Association.

“Through Resolution 656, we have successfully executed this milestone agreement. Salt-making has a deep history in our city. Today, we are reviving an industry that was once a core part of Parañaque’s livelihood and identity. From proposal to action, from history to a new beginning,” Gabriel said.

Mayor Edwin Olivarez said the local salt industry dates back to the 1700s when clay-tiled irasan (salt beds) lined the coast.

“Salt-making is in our heritage, its symbols still adorn our city’s official seal. With this partnership, we envision added income for our fisherfolk because they will produce value-added varieties that can be sold to more consumers,” Olivarez said.