(Photo courtesy of BFAR Region 6)
ILOILO CITY — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is strengthening oversight of the country’s salt industry through the expanded implementation of the Salt Information Management System (SIMS), a centralized digital platform designed to improve industry monitoring and data management.
As part of the initiative, BFAR recently conducted a national training program in Kalibo, Aklan, bringing together salt industry focal persons from different regions to enhance their technical skills in using the system.
SIMS aims to modernize the registration, monitoring, and coordination of salt production activities by integrating industry data into a single platform accessible at the national, regional, provincial, and municipal levels.
The system is expected to improve the accuracy of production records, streamline registration procedures, and strengthen coordination among government offices involved in developing the local salt industry.
During the training, participants underwent hands-on demonstrations and interactive exercises to familiarize themselves with the platform’s functions, including data collection, monitoring, and evaluation.
National Salt Program Management Office (NSPMO) Director Hannibal Chavez emphasized that reliable and accurate information is essential to the system’s effectiveness.
“To make our system smarter, we must first make sure that our data is right. That is why your participation in this national training is essential,” Chavez said.
He stressed that field personnel play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy of information entered into the system, which will serve as a foundation for industry monitoring and planning.
Chavez also highlighted the importance of establishing uniform procedures and strengthening coordination among implementing offices to ensure that SIMS addresses the operational needs of personnel working directly with salt producers.
The training provided an opportunity for participants to develop a common understanding of the system’s procedures and identify ways to improve its implementation nationwide.
Organized by the NSPMO in partnership with BFAR Region 6, the activity gathered Development of Salt Industry Program (DSIP) focal persons from across the country.
The initiative forms part of BFAR’s continuing efforts to modernize salt industry management, improve access to reliable production data, and support the development of the Philippine salt sector.
