Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the salt law

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has recently enacted the “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act,” a legislation aimed at revitalizing and strengthening the salt industry in the country. The law, signed on March 11, underscores the government’s commitment to rural development initiatives.

Republic Act 15985 outlines measures to provide support and resources to salt farmers, facilitating increased production, self-sufficiency, and even exportation. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment while pursuing developmental goals.

A key aspect of the law is the establishment of a Philippine salt industry development roadmap to guide its implementation. This roadmap, aligned with the objectives of Republic Act 8172, will focus on enhancing the industry’s modernization and industrialization.

To ensure coordinated efforts, the law mandates the creation of a “Salt Council,” chaired by the Department of Agriculture (DA), tasked with overseeing the roadmap’s execution. The DA is further directed to prioritize salt production in specified regions, allocate necessary resources, and promote investments in the industry.

Moreover, the law calls for market access expansion, research and development support, continuous funding, and capacity building initiatives within the salt industry. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will play crucial roles in the Salt Council.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, a key proponent of the legislation, lauded its enactment as a lifeline for the struggling salt industry. She emphasized the need to meet the growing demand for salt, particularly for coconut farming, and underscored the importance of local production.

In line with promoting local production, the law offers preferential treatment to cooperatives and associations of small-scale producers in accessing public lands for salt farming. Additionally, it allows for optional iodization of certain types of salt and establishes a fund to enhance industry competitiveness.

Overall, the Philippine Salt Industry Development Act represents a significant step towards rejuvenating the salt industry, addressing longstanding challenges, and ensuring its sustainable growth to meet the nation’s needs.

Politics News: Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed the salt law