CARAGA REGION — The Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) CARAGA has rolled out three new community-based salt production sites across Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, marking a major boost for the region’s efforts to revive the local salt industry and create sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Two projects were launched in Barangays Hanagdong and Cagtinae in Malimono, Surigao del Norte on November 24, 2025, while another was turned over a week earlier, on November 17, to the San Roque Payapay Fisherfolk Association in Lingig, Surigao del Sur. All three sites are now operational, with fisherfolk beneficiaries already reporting initial harvests.
Malimono sites begin production, poised to become salt hub in Caraga
In Malimono, DA-BFAR Caraga provided each of the two associations with 25 elevated HDPE solar salt platforms, along with solar dryers—three for Hanagdong and four for Cagtinae. The ₱1.12-million initiative aims to increase drying efficiency, improve product consistency, and help local producers meet the rising demand for homegrown salt.
Both groups have already started production. Hanagdong reported an initial output of 27 kilograms, while Cagtinae recorded 30 kilograms. Each is operating 25 salt beds capable of producing about 4 kilograms per cycle, translating to a combined projected output of around 100 kilograms every four to five days.
Senior aquaculturist Edgardo P. Balambao, speaking on behalf of regional director Omnia B. Olama, said the project aims not only to strengthen the salt industry but also to uplift local livelihoods and help position Malimono as a key salt-producing hub.
Malimono mayor Arnel S. Amalla welcomed the initiative, saying the local government is committed to supporting production sites and providing market avenues for locally made salt. Community leaders also expressed gratitude, with Cagtinae chairperson Arnel T. Publico and Hanagdong chairperson Teresita P. Senados vowing to sustain the project for the benefit of their communities.
Lingig’s first salt production site shows strong potential
In Lingig, Surigao del Sur, the San Roque Payapay Fisherfolk Association—composed of 52 members—has begun producing salt following the turnover of a DA-BFAR project worth ₱673,000. During its pilot production, the group harvested 36 one-kilogram packs and is now operating 30 salt beds projected to yield up to 120 kilograms every four to five days. Four dryers and a water pump were also provided to ensure stable production even during unpredictable weather.
With locally produced salt valued at ₱12 to ₱15 per kilo, the initiative is expected to provide a viable income stream for members. Provincial Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Office (PFARO) officer-in-charge Beatrice Canonigo said the group has the potential to supply not only Surigao del Sur but also neighboring provinces.
Balambao, representing DA-BFAR leadership, underscored the site’s promise in becoming one of the region’s major salt producers. Lingig mayor Elmer P. Evangelio pledged an additional ₱100,000 to support the enterprise, while Vice Mayor Arnold Malaque announced plans to introduce an ordinance formally recognizing “San Roque Salt” as an official local product.
PFARO officer Julius Sabino described the project as a milestone, noting that it marks Surigao del Sur’s first official salt production venture. Association chairperson Larry Susada lauded members for their unity, saying their work—even under the rain—demonstrates their commitment to growing the enterprise.
Building a stronger, self-reliant regional salt industry
With three production sites now active—two in Malimono and one in Lingig—DA-BFAR Caraga’s regional initiative is gaining momentum. The projects highlight a shift toward self-reliance in salt production, an industry that the Philippines has long relied on imports for.
Through sustained collaboration among DA-BFAR Caraga, local governments, and fisherfolk organizations, the region’s emerging salt enterprises are expected to expand, increase local supply, and provide stable livelihoods—positioning Caraga as a rising salt-producing corridor in Mindanao.