The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the Pangasinan State University, conducted the Technical Panel (TP) Review and Closing Meeting for the four (4) projects implemented under the Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center, funded by DOST through the NICER Program.
The three-day activity held at the PSU Golden Lion Hotel from September 30 to October 2, 2025, was aimed at assessing the overall program completeness, focusing on the implementation of activities outlined in the work plan, the accomplishment of deliverables, and the attainment of objectives and targets of each project.
Each project was presented by its respective project leader:
Project 1: Development of Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Salterns: Best Practices, Standardization, Site Mapping, and Pilot Establishment of Saltern Technology – Dr. Nathaniel R. Alibuyog, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)
Project 2: Establishment of Salt R&D Center through Technology, Competence, and Services Development – Engr. Rex B. Basuel, Pangasinan State University (PSU), who also serves as the ASIN Program Leader
Project 3: Artisan Salt Technology Innovation and Preservation Project – Dr. Janice M. Baysa, President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU)
Project 4: Value Adding of Sea Salt and Utilization of Its Byproducts – Dr. Andie John D. Tadeo, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)
The Technical Panel (TP) was chaired by Mr. Oliver C. Evangelista of DOST–ITDI, together with Engr. Isidro Millo of DOST–MIRDC, Mr. Justin Godfred Peralta of UP Diliman, and Ms. Trinidad Arcangel of the DOST–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI). Also joining the activity were Mr. Richard Paolo M. Aba, Ms. Fatima Jhoan S. Ibarreta, and Ms. Stephanie Ann Blanco-David, the ASIN Center Managers from DOST–PCIEERD.
The overall recommendation from the Technical Panel was to sustain the ASIN Program and the operations of the ASIN Center even beyond the implementation period, recognizing its importance in advancing the Philippine salt industry through research, innovation, and technology transfer.
In response, Dr. Elbert M. Galas, University President of Pangasinan State University, and Dr. Razeale G. Resultay, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovation, assured the DOST and the Technical Panel of the University’s continued commitment to support and maintain the ASIN Center as a leading hub for salt research and innovation in the country.
“With the help of everyone, we will make the ASIN Center fully operational and functional to better serve the community,” President Galas stated.
The evaluation was also graced by Dr. Teresita A. Tabaog, Regional Director of DOST Region I, who expressed her full support for the ASIN Center Program. She emphasized the Center’s vital role in revitalizing the salt industry in Region I and across the Philippines, serving as a catalyst for innovation, modernization, and capacity building in salt production. DOST Pangasinan Provincial Director, Engr. Arnold Santos likewise participated in the TP Evaluation, further demonstrating strong regional support for the program’s initiatives.
Looking ahead, the ASIN Center will continue to strengthen its research and development activities, expand partnerships with national and international institutions, and intensify its extension efforts to empower local salt producers.
The Center remains steadfast in its mission to modernize and sustain the salt industry, ensuring that Philippine-produced salt meets global standards in quality, safety, and competitiveness.
