Salt production in the municipality of Bugasong is now available year-round, using the shared service facility (SSF) provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Before, seawater had to be sundried, so they could not produce during rainy days, Babylonia Pon-An, president of Barangay Camangahan Fisherfolk Association in Bugasong, said.

“We are fortunate to be a recipient of the DTI’s SSF, for we now have the equipment to use,” she said in an interview on Tuesday.

The association availed of the SSF in 2023 with the local government unit of Bugasong as the cooperator, which provided the production center.

The facility is equipped with a horizontal continuous band sealer, working table, settling and evaporating tanks, nylon screen, stainless cooking vat, furnace, and a water pump.

With the support, they produce 900 kilos of salt monthly, including first-class, iodized salt they sell at the public market and during trade fairs.

“We have 13 association members who are working daily in salt production,” Pon-an said.

She said the 13 association members are being paid PHP300 for their labor, while their 130 members receive a patronage share at the year’s end.

DTI also provided the association members with training on packaging to make their product presentable in the market. (PNA)