The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has awarded P1 million to Pacific Farms, Inc. to support its vertical salt farming technology, an innovative approach aimed at revitalizing the Philippine salt industry and strengthening local production.

The project, financed under the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), will be implemented in two phases: capacity building and training evaluation and application.

DOLE Undersecretary Carmela Torres, during the awarding ceremony on 28 February, highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing challenges in the Philippine salt industry.

"Amid the challenges facing the Philippine salt industry, Pacific Farms has shown resilience by embracing innovation. Its vertical salt farming technology accelerates the evaporation process, increases salt yield, and enhances productivity," Torres stated.

She further emphasized that the initiative is not just about recovery but transformation.

"This project is not just about recovery — it is about transformation. By fostering innovation and inclusivity, Pacific Farms is setting an important benchmark for other enterprises to follow," she added.

Modernizing Phl salt farming

The project seeks to modernize traditional salt production methods by utilizing vertical farming techniques, which optimize land use, improve efficiency, and boost output. It also aims to reduce reliance on imported salt and promote a sustainable domestic salt production model.

Torres stressed that the AMP plays a crucial role in supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which serve as key drivers of economic stability in the country.

Through the AMP, DOLE provides funding to help MSMEs enhance workforce skills, adapt to economic shifts, and create employment opportunities. The program supports capacity-building, business development, product innovation, labor compliance, and industrial peace-building measures.

The grant is open to employers, enterprises, labor organizations, and accredited co-partners across the Philippines, ensuring that more businesses can benefit from sustainable technological advancements in their industries.