SSRN Id4391852
SSRN Id4391852
SSRN Id4391852
Technological Intervention
Randy Joy M. Ventayen1 , Rex B. Basuel2, Elbert M. Galas3, Dexter R. Buted4
1
University Director, Research and Development Unit, Pangasinan State University
2
Center Head, Machine Automation and Technology Innovation, Pangasinan State University
3
University President, Pangasinan State University
4
Vice-President, Administration and Linkages, Pangasinan State University
Abstract – The importance of salt in human life is indisputable, and challenges should be resolved early
to avoid shortage. Salt is one of the major commodities that gives taste to our food, and it's our way to be
satisfied with what we eat. The salt industry in the Philippines is an important sector of the economy,
providing employment opportunities for thousands of people and contributing to producing various
products. The current situation guides the creation of this research paper which aims to provide an
overview of the current condition of the salt industry in the Philippines, including its production and
challenges. A brief bibliographic analysis of limited research in the Philippines is also included in the
study. The methodology of this paper is more on qualitative and observational research. The paper also
discusses potential solutions that can be implemented to overcome these challenges and promote the
industry's development. The increasing competition from imported salt, environmental degradation,
climate change, and the lack of technology and innovation are significant challenges facing the industry.
Decreasing the use of salt, increasing local production, promoting sustainable salt production, developing
new markets, encouraging innovation, improving technology adoption, and establishing an R&D center
can be implemented to overcome these challenges.
INTRODUCTION
The salt industry in Southeast Asia has a long and rich history dating back centuries. The region's
tropical climate, abundant seawater sources, and inland saltwater lakes provide ideal conditions for salt
production (Hall, 2019). In ancient times, Southeast Asian communities relied on salt for food preservation
and medicinal and religious purposes. Salt was also used as a form of currency, traded throughout the region
(Albarracín et al., 2011; Charney, 1996; Cirillo et al., 1994; McLACHLAN, 1967). Today, the salt industry
in Southeast Asia is diverse and complex, with a range of production methods and market demands. The
standard salt production methods are evaporation, boiling, and vacuum evaporation (Albarracín et al., 2011;
Doyle & Glass, 2010).
Other Salt producers use solar evaporation to extract salt in coastal areas where seawater is readily
available, which involves collecting seawater in shallow ponds and allowing it to evaporate under the sun's
heat. The remaining salt is then collected and dried (Doyle & Glass, 2010; H. L. Tan et al., 2022). Inland
areas rely on brine wells and saltwater lakes for their salt production. These sources are often tapped using
wells, and the salt is extracted through boiling or vacuum evaporation. The salt produced in Southeast Asia
is used for various purposes, including food production, industrial processes, and water treatment (Doyle
& Glass, 2010; McLACHLAN, 1967).
However, the industry faces challenges from environmental degradation, competition from
imported salt, and changing consumer preferences. Many producers are exploring ways to improve
sustainability and increase the value of their products, such as by developing premium salt varieties or
expanding into niche markets. The Philippines is not a self-sufficient salt producer and relies on both
domestic production and imports to meet its demand for salt. According to the Department of Agriculture,
the country is experiencing a salt shortage, meaning it imported 93 percent of salt to meet its demand
(Business Mirror, n.d.; Manila Bulletin, n.d., n.d.; Manila Times, n.d.). The data provided by the Philippine
Association of Salt Industry Networks (PhilASIN) is alarming that the country will have to import 96
METHODS
This study aims to determine the current situation of the salt industry in the Philippines and the
possible intervention to be proposed as a basis for improving salt sufficiency in the Philippines. The
methodology of this paper is more on qualitative and observational research.
This type of research involves collecting information based on the topic through observations, news
reading, current events, and informal news reading (Moen & Middelthon, 2015). It aims to explore and
understand current events to produce a solution based on the current problem. A brief bibliographic analysis
was also done in this paper to determine the need to conduct more research on the topic (Donthu et al.,
2021).
DISCUSSIONS
The salt industry in the Philippines is a vital sector of the country's economy, providing
employment opportunities for thousands of people and contributing to producing various products
(Albarracín et al., 2011; Hall, 2019). However, the industry faces several challenges threatening its
sustainability and growth.
Salt production in the Philippines has a long history, dating back to pre-colonial times when salt
was produced using traditional methods such as solar evaporation. Today, salt production in the Philippines
is concentrated in coastal areas such as Pangasinan, Ilocos, Mindoro, and other parts of the country where
the salt industry faces challenges in increasing production (Cirillo et al., 1994; Francisco et al., 2022). Let's
discover the challenges facing the salt industry and the possible intervention to solve the current issue.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author would like to express their gratitude to Pangasinan State University
FUNDING SUPPORT
This study is supported by Pangasinan State University
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
No conflict of interest can be declared in the conduct of the review.
Randy Joy Ventayen: Methodology, Writing- Original draft preparation Rex B. Basuel.:
Conceptualization, Data curation. Elbert M. Galas: Supervision, Resources Dexter R. Buted: Supervision,
Resources
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