STO. DOMINGO, Ilocos Sur, May 7 (PIA) – The Department of Science and Technology in the Ilocos (DOST 1) continues to provide technological innovations to residents of the region to improve quality of life and sustainability.
The DOST 1, through its Provincial Science and Technology Center in Ilocos Sur (PSTC-IS), in collaboration with the DOST - Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) and with the initiative of First District Representative Deogracias Victor Savellano, facilitated the adoption of the Improved Salt Processing Technology (iSALT) in Calay-ab village here.
The joint project has started in 2019 entitled “Upgrading and Expansion of Salt-Making Industry in the First District of llocos Sur” funded by the DOST 1 which aims to improve the ecosystem for salt production in the first district.
The iSALT project was granted to Ms. Mary Clauderine Jaramillo, owner of the Puerto Salt Refinery in Calay-ab village.
As part of the project, the construction of the two-unit evaporating setup was completed on December 14, 2020, and the saturation reservoir was completed on January 27, 2021.
Prior to its full operation and launch, a test run was conducted on May 4, 2021.
Due to the drastic increase of COVID-19 cases which restricts travel of experts from Manila, DOST 1 instead invited the JM Salt Refinery from Infanta, Pangasinan, the pilot beneficiary of the iSALT project and a beneficiary of the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP), as technical consultant to lead or supervise the test run.
During the activity, Ms. Jaramillo expressed their earnest gratitude to the DOST for granting them a livelihood project and assured to sustain the salt production in Sto. Domingo.
“Kami ang unang mag-asin dito sa Sto. Domingo” (We will be the first salt producer in Sto. Domingo), she said.
Ms. Jaramillo has high hopes that the salt they produce will be sustainable in their municipality rather than being supplied in the neighboring province.
After the test run, about eight cans of salt were produced.
Minor adjustments or improvements, as recommended by the consultants, will be done on the evaporating setup.
Provincial Science and Technology Director Ramon Sumabat ensured that the project will be fully operational and launched after the adjustments.
The I-SALT was developed by the DOST-ITDI envisioned to help local salt producers to improve their productivity and product in compliance with Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) Law or Republic Act No. 8172. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur with reports from DOST)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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