FREEPORTS & ECOZONES
EMPOWERING FISHERFOLK
Barangay San Agustin's Sea Salt Initiative By January Guia Caringal
B
arangay San Agustin in the City of San Fernando, La Union, is a coastal area where fishing has been the primary source of income for most of the residents. It is here where sea salt production emerged as one of the strategies to develop the community and improve their quality of life. Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC), through its Corporate Social Responsibility Program Health, Education/Environment, 30 Collective / Issue 17
Livelihood Program, and Strengthening Linkages/ Sports HELPS, in collaboration with the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMSU) North Luzon Fisheries Research and Training Institute pioneered a new sea salt production technique to the community. A one-day training workshop was organized to introduce to the local fisherfolk the GeomembraneHigh Density Polyethylene food-grade plastic platform. This modern method aims to improve the quality and efficiency of sea salt production. The training provided practical skills and knowledge for every stage of the production proocess throught lectures and hands-on demonstration.