To equip salt makers in Misamis Oriental, the Department of Agriculture-National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI) in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) conducted a training on operating and maintaining the salt washer machine to 38 members of Baybay Loguilo Rural Workers Association (BLRWA) on April 26, 2023 in Alubijid, Misamis Oriental.

Composed of smallscale salt makers, BLRWA is a partner in the Development of Salt Industry Project (DSIP), which aims to boost the salt production industry in the country.

Developed by DOST-ITDI, the salt washer machine is used to remove impurities and contaminants and ensure that the salt is pure and of high quality.

Present during the opening activity were officials from the local government unit (LGU) of Alubijid, headed by Mayor Emmanuel Jamis, Barangay Captain Leonardo Suezo, and Municipal Agriculture Officer Frederick Lamis. 

Mayor Jamis expressed his gratitude to NFRDI, thanking them for the efforts in supporting the salt production industry in the region. He emphasized the importance of the training and how it can benefit the local community. Meanwhile, Brgy. Captain Suezo encouraged the participants to actively engage in the training and apply their learnings to improve their salt-making industry.

Dr. Ulysses Montojo, chief of the Fisheries Postharvest Research and Development Division, provided a brief overview of the project’s goals and objectives, highlighting the importance of improving the quality of salt produced in the area to increase its market value.

Serving as a resource speaker for the training was Oliver Evangelista, Senior Science Research Specialist of DOST-ITDI. He gave a detailed lecture on the salt washer machine, covering its parts, functions, and maintenance. He also conducted a hands-on activity on operating the machine and formulating the salt-washing solution. Subsequently, members of BLRWA were identified who will serve as main operators and were further trained and evaluated on operation and maintenance.

Mary Joy Tac-an, OIC, Fisheries Postharvest Development Section of BFAR10, commended DA-NFRDI for helping the local salt-making industry in the region and expressed hope that the effort will expand to other areas of Misamis Oriental. She assured the participants that the government, through BFAR and NFRDI, is ready to extend assistance to further improve salt production in the region.

The training concluded with an evaluation and feedback wherein BLRWA President Elvie Isiderio urged the members to apply their learnings in their production activities for their long-term benefit. ### (Christine Tila and Leah Mae dela Cruz)