BFAR Caraga launches P1.12-M salt project for Surigao Norte’s coastal communities
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) Caraga is strengthening Surigao del Norte’s local economy with a new P2.12 million salt production in Malimono town.
Launched on November 24, the project aims to revitalise the homegrown salt industry and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities in the barangays of Hanagdong and Cagtinae.
To significantly boost production and product consistency, DA-BFAR equipped the fisherfolk associations with a total of 50 elevated HDPE (high-density polyethylene) solar salt platforms and 7 solar dryer equipment.
DA-BFAR Caraga shared that with the agency’s support, the associations immediately began operations, with each member contributing to 25 salt beds. They collectively harvest an estimated 100 kilograms of salt every four to five days, producing approximately four kilograms per cycle. Initial reports show a promising start, with barangay Hanagdong yielding 27 kg and barangay Cagtinae 30 kg in their first production run.
Senior Aquaculturist Edgardo P. Balambao, representing DA-BFAR Caraga Director Omnia B. Olama, highlighted the project’s potential to establish Malimono as a key salt-producing hub in the region. “The community-based enterprise is expected to pave the way for a more robust and self-reliant local salt industry, not only in the province of Surigao del Norte, but also in the Caraga region.”
Malimono Mayor Arnel S. Amalla said, “With this salt project that will benefit and improve the livelihood and lives of our coastal communities, the local government of Malimono pledged to commit to supporting the salt production sites and developing market spaces for the locally-sourced products.”
The beneficiaries have welcomed the timely support of DA-BFAR. The punong barangays of Cagtinae Arnel T. Publico and Hanagdong Teresita P. Senados both expressed gratitude and vowed to sustain the enterprise for the long-term benefit of their communities.
They said, “Thank you DA-BFAR. We will take care of the enterprise and ensure this will sustain and have a long-term benefit to our communities.” (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DA-BFAR Caraga)