Pangasinan State University (PSU) is underscoring its commitment to research and development with a new initiative focused on reviving the local salt industry for the benefit of not only the Pangasinan community but also the entire Philippines. In a significant step forward, PSU has secured 93 million pesos in funding from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER) program. This support will facilitate the establishment of the Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation Center (ASIN Center), a pioneering facility aimed at revitalizing the Philippines’ salt industry. This initiative aspires to make the country 100% salt self-sufficient while strengthening the local economy.
The ASIN Center program, which spans a two-year period, unites State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and various intergovernmental agencies to accelerate research and development in salt production. Its mission is to modernize and improve traditional salt production methods, including both cooked and solar processes, enhancing their efficiency, sustainability, and scalability. By fostering technological advancements, the ASIN Center aims to uplift local salt producers and provide the industry with innovative, practical tools for growth.
Under the leadership of PSU President Dr. Elbert M. Galas, the university has allocated 22 million pesos to construct the ASIN Center at the PSU Binmaley Campus in Binmaley, Pangasinan. Scheduled for completion by April 2025, the center will include specialized divisions for Research and Development, Analytic Services and Testing, Data Analytics and Information Technology, as well as an Adminis6trative, Finance, and Linkages Division. Once completed, the ASIN Center will be an invaluable resource for the salt industry, offering state-of-the-art facilities and expert services to support innovation and ensure sustainable growth for the sector. Through this dedicated initiative, PSU aims to lead the charge toward a revitalized, self-sufficient Philippine salt industry.
