I saw this news from the Manila times that the Philippines imports 93% of its salt from Australia, China, Thailand, and New Zealand. Isn’t this ridiculous of a country surrounded by sea?
The Philippines used to have a lot of salt manufacturers until the “Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide” (ASIN law), or Republic Act 8172, The ASIN law passed in 1995 required local producers to shift to iodized salt production.
The DTI is required to provide the machine to incorporate iodine in the salt being produced and assist the salt industry but it failed to comply resulting in the death of the salt industry.
What is crazier is that other countries refuse to allow the entry of products containing iodized salt. They prefer natural salt so our salt export industry has been affected as well.
The ASIN law was created to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition in the country. An effort to eliminate iodine deficiency disorder. One of the most common effects of Iodine deficiency is Goiter.
Upon looking up, here is the national prevalence of goiters in the Philippines.
1987 – 3.7%
1993 – 6.7%
2008 – 8.53%
2012 – 10.12%
There were no studies made from the enactment of ASIN law in 1995 to the present if the Asin law has helped in the reduction of goiter. But if we based it on the data above, obviously not.
Philippines 5 Years Salt Importation Data in US Dollar
2020 – 28,832,725.00
2019 – 36,001,867.00
2018 – 23,367,114.00
2017 – 26,973,961.00
2016 – 24,447,604.00
Imagine if even 1/2 of the value above is earned here in the Philippines. It could create a lot of jobs and income for Filipinos. As per Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. president Danilo Fausto, “At least 50,000 Filipinos were previously employed in the salt production,”
27 years after the ASIN law was passed, the local salt industry in the Philippines only diminished and no current data regarding goiter was made.
This just shows that congress and the senate should review some old laws that might help the country’s economy. There are even outdated laws that need to be examined.
With so much noise, hopefully, Congress will listen to the Agricultural group’s call to repeal ASIN law and revive the local salt industry, or at least amend it so that it will be favorable to the Philippine economy.
Also, this will be of great help to artisanal and traditional salt making like the Asin Tibuok of Bohol.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture is chaired by Sen. Cynthia Villar while its counterpart in the House of Representatives is headed by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga.
Amending old laws is just as good as creating new ones.
References:
National Prevalence of Goiters Data
https://tinyurl.com/2own77hw
https://doh.gov.ph/node/16406#
ASIN LAW
https://tinyurl.com/2ojs89nv
Why ASIN law was made
https://tinyurl.com/2mpbowbh
Salt Importation Data
https://trendeconomy.com/data/h2/Philippines/2501
Let people know your thoughts about this issue. Comment down below.
It’s crazy it happens! i could never understand how it works with many things in many countries. and it goes a lot with the resources or something. I hate it that it is super hard to buy horse meat in Mexico while it is one of the biggest exporters of it.
It’s sad to know this. Salt is so important to literally everyone around the world. Why would a country like Philippines have to import it, when they can be the ones exporting it?
I love when I can learn something new by reading blogs like yours! I had no clue that the Philippines were once a place that produced and exported salt. I would certainly hope that the business can be revived by changing the laws and bring back that source of income for the country. It is always sad to see things like this happening, and I’m so glad you’re bringing attention to it.
I didnt know about Philippines salt industry struggling. It is quite a journey for this industry. It is strange how such a successful industry is struggling to survive. This would impact the whole economy
This is very interesting to know and sad at the same time. Hopefully the awareness of this matter will spread and be addressed.
It’s interesting that there is a way to help right there. I hope if it is the right solution, that they do revive the salt industry.
Wow I didn’t know this was happening. Definitely need new laws amended.
Oh wow this is so sad! I hate to hear this.
We regret to hear this news! But also a great eye-opener and awareness for the government to help and keep the salt industry a stable one. Hoping for a good and immediate solution for the said article! Thanks for sharing this with us!
This is sad to know, knowing that the Philippines is a country surrounded by sea. I find this a strange policy too of my own country.
This is so sad to see. A country which could have been a leader is trailing behind. And importing salt instead of exporting. Hope good sense prevails and agriculturist’s opinions are valued.
Wow that is surprising. I’m a big fan of using what you have available as far as natural resources goes!
I don’t know much about the intricacies of what’s going on regarding the salt industry, but I do know that there should be a way to change the laws so that everyone can benefit. I hope that happens.
Yes, we are all hoping too.
It’s much like the crystal industry here. Obviously not to the same extent, but NI used to have an amazing crystal industry – they manufactured some of the most gorgeous crystals. Then it just all disappeared in late 2006. Tyrone Crystal used to be a massive export for us, now it’s nil.
Wow, that was sad. Did you happen to know what the reason is?
I find this so interesting. We always buy iodized sea salt because my husband adores sea salt but I insist on the iodine for health reasons. It is such a strange policy for the Philippines. I know studies have shown an increase in children’s IQs when they are consume iodine, so it is more than goiters.
Anyways this was real interesting because the whole concept of a nation bounded by saltwater importing its salt and killing a potentially profitable industry is just silly
If only there is an available IQ data study as well but I have found none.
I really hope they do something about it!!! It is very sad that the small guys would end up suffering. I hope they do something to salvage the salt industry.
I am praying hard too.