A brand new government-backed research facility geared toward modernizing salt manufacturing has opened in Pangasinan, a province lengthy referred to as the nation’s conventional hub for salt making.
The Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center was inaugurated on February 17, 2026 on the Pangasinan State University Binmaley campus below the Department of Science and Technology’s Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) program.
The facility will give attention to growing fashionable strategies and bettering current salt processing strategies, a part of broader efforts to strengthen the nation’s salt trade and help native producers.
Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum described the opening as a milestone for the sector.
“And so today we mark the beginning of the new chapter all over the country,” Solidum mentioned.
Regional DOST Director Teresita Tabaog mentioned the initiative goals for nationwide influence past its preliminary launch.
“Ngayon po we’ll start something. We hope na hindi magtatapos ito by launching. Hindi lang sa Region 1 buong Pilipinas,” Tabaog mentioned.
Officials mentioned the ASIN Center is the primary facility in Pangasinan devoted to research and innovation in salt manufacturing. The province has lengthy been considered the nation’s “Salt Capital” and its title is derived from “panag-asin-an,” which means “where salt is made.”
Elbert Galas, president of Pangasinan State University, mentioned the ability aligns with the college’s improvement objectives.
“The ASIN Center reflects the university’s vision of becoming an industry driven, institution of high learning and it’s mission to advance inclusive growth through instruction research, extension and production that directly uplift communities and transform lives,” Galas mentioned.
The venture was accomplished by way of collaboration amongst nationwide authorities companies, the college and native authorities. Officials mentioned partnerships have additionally been established with establishments in Japan, India and Indonesia.
Construction of the constructing and its operations guide had been accomplished in 2025, adopted by coaching applications and seminars for salt farmers in preparation for full operations, based on venture organizers.
Officials mentioned the center is predicted to help innovation, enhance productiveness and strengthen the competitiveness of the Philippine salt trade.