By: Lina T. Cancino, Elsa Q. Terre, Honelly Mae S. Cascolan, Rodel P. Hacla
In a pioneering research endeavor, a team of experts from the Natural Science Department of PSU-Lingayen Campus, led by Mr. Mc Ferdie C. Bacton, has embarked on a remarkable research project aimed at mapping and distributing salt producers, traders, and importers in Pangasinan, Western Philippines. This research project, which received approval from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) after rigorous evaluation in February 2022, is poised to provide invaluable insights into the salt industry of the region. Mr. Bacton’s team, including researchers such as Dr. Weenalei T. Fajardo, Ms. Sharlene Cherry S. De Guzman, Dr. Lina T. Cancino, Ms. Jesamine F. Rebugio, Ms. Girlie M. Fernandez, Mr. Eleazar C. De Jesus, Mr. Thomas Ponce C. Reyes, Ms. Enora B. Dudang and Ms. Eva Jamaillah O. Pescador, is determined to revolutionize the understanding of the salt industry in this region.
“We are on a mission to unravel the hidden treasures of the salt industry in Pangasinan. By employing cutting-edge technology and the collective expertise of our team, we aim to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the salt-producing sector,” states Mr. Mc Ferdie C. Bacton, the project’s leader.
The project, funded with a generous allocation of Php 500,000, employs a Descriptive Survey Method to gather critical data, which will serve as the foundation for generating GIS-produced maps. These maps are anticipated to provide critical insights into the number and distribution of salt producers and salt importers, traders, and producers (SITPs) in Western Pangasinan.
Dr. Weenalei T. Fajardo, a key member of the research team, highlights the project’s significance: “This research not only deepens our understanding of the local salt industry but also paves the way for improved economic strategies and sustainable development within the region.”
As the study unfolds, the people of Pangasinan and the entire nation eagerly anticipate the wealth of insights it promises to deliver. The mapping and distribution of salt producers, traders, and importers will undoubtedly provide a solid foundation for the future of the salt industry in this beautiful region.
This study is ongoing, and the team is diligently working to unveil the region’s salt industry landscape in its entirety. As a symbol of their commitment to the community, Mr. Bacton and his team remain dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of salt production in Pangasinan for future generations.
