by Eva Visperas
A major boost to Pangasinan’s salt industry was marked Tuesday with the inauguration of the country’s first Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center at the Pangasinan State University in Binmaley.
The facility, funded with P43 million from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aims to revitalize the local salt industry and help the Philippines move toward salt self-sufficiency. The project is monitored by the DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development under the NICER (Niche Centers in the Regions for Research and Development) Program.
The launch is seen as timely for Pangasinan, historically known as a major salt-producing province. Despite this, the country still imports up to 93 percent of its salt supply.
DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the establishment of the R&D center signals a strong push to reduce reliance on imported salt. He emphasized that the Philippines has the potential to become globally competitive by strengthening research capacity, adopting modern technologies, and supporting local producers.
The ASIN Center is backed by Republic Act No. 11985, or the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act, which promotes mechanization and affordable technologies to improve salt production nationwide.
The facility houses three major divisions: the Membrane Science and Separation Technology Division, the Salt Division, and the Process Design and Engineering Division. These units are equipped with advanced equipment for applied research and testing.
Program Leader Engr. Rex Basuel said the center will develop technology for cooked salt production, aiming to eliminate the need for additives such as imported Australian salt used to increase seawater salinity before processing. By concentrating seawater to ideal salinity levels, the system is expected to lower production costs and reduce dependence on imports.