Repiil)lie  ()l`[he  I'liilippines
HoLJsF`,oF`REpR]`,sii:r`i`A'`r`ivr:s
Que/,oil City
NINETEENTH (.`ONGRESS
First  Ri`gular Session
HousEI;iiLN'o.5876
Introduceci by Representative Wilbert T. Lee
AN ACT
DEFINING SALT AS AN AQUATlc RESoURCE AND ESTABLISIIINr, A
COMPREI.IENSIVE SALT INI)USTRY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM,
AMllNDINC' FOR THF. PURPOSF, RHPUBLIC ACT NO. 8550, OTHHRWISH
KNOwN As "THE pHILlpplNF, r`ISHERII:s CODE OF 1998," AND FOR
0TIIER Pt)RPOSES
I:xpijA,NATORy NOTr:
The Constitiition,  Art.  XII,  Section  I.  provides:
The goals of the national  economy are a more cciuitable distribution of
oppoilimities.  income,  ancl  wealth;  a  sustained  increase  ill  the  amount
(tf` goo(ls  and  services  pi.oduc`ed   by  the  nation  foi.  the  benefit  of the
pcor)li`;  and  an  e,`r!imdiiig  produc`1iviLv  {is  the.  kc}J  to  raising  tlie  quality
o1`1ifL`1`ora11.i`spi`eia11}'th1`imcieri)I.ivi1i`gecl.
The  State  shall   pi.omote  industiialization  and  full  employment  basecl
on    sound   agricultui.al   development   and   agrarian    refol`m,   through
industries   that   make   full   of   cfricicnt   use   of   human   and   iiatural
re`sources,   and   w''hich   are  competitive   in   both   domestic  ancl   foreign
iTiai.kL`ts.   I Io\\Je\zer,   the   Sta{c   shaH   pi`otect   r`ilipino   eiitei.pi.ises   against
im(`air  rorciiJ`ii  compe`i{ion  aiid  trade  practices.
In  the  rjursuit  ol` these goals,  all  sectors of thi` ec()nomy  aiid  all  regions
of the country shall  be given  optimim.I  opportiinity  to develop.  Private
enterprises`      incliiding     corporations,      cooperatives.      and      similar
c`ollcctivc  ()rganizations.  shall  bc  encouraged  to  bi.oaden  thi`  base  of
their ownership.
I(  has  I.eceml},I  hcen  I.cvet`Ied  b.v  tlic  Deparlmeiit  or Agriciilture  that  more  tliaii  ninety
pei.cem   (9()%)   of  salt   for   coiibumptioii   £`n(I/or   industrial   iise   is   imported.   This   iron.v   ancl
nfiti(Mial  dileiiima  cont`roiit  us  ct)n`sidcring  that  we  are  all  ai.ehipelag(`)  sui.i.{)unded  b.\J`  sall\\I'ater.
Thet.e  are  several  reasons  ``or this.  First  is that  many  of our coasts  have  become  uilfit
I`or  salt  farming  due  to  polluti(in,  coastal  erosion,  or other  environmental  or  climate  change-


relatc`cl   I.easons.   Second    is   lhal   iiian.\    ol`  oiir   coasts   \\Jeri`   developi.cl    (`oi`   tourism   t`)r   other
eommc`ri`ial  r)urposes.  rinall}J,  there  is  no holistic  governmelit  initiative {)r progi.am  to address
the  pressing  aiid  long-standing  coilcems  of the  salt  industry.  ^s  siich,  there  is  also  a  lack  of
incentive  mechanisms for  investoi.s to enter and  invest in our local  salt-production  industry.
To say that salt  is essential to our economy  is an extreme understatement.  It  is used  in
all  households and  in  man,v  industries  incltidilig our agricultural  and  manufactiiring  sectors.  If
\\i`  coiitinue  to   imi)ort   salt.  oiii`  cc`onom}'  \vill   be  a{   {lic   iiicrc}i   o(`  f`oreign   s{'`lt   prodiiecrs  and
the  fliietuatioiis  ol` foreign  ciirrency  e.`change  rates.   By  developing  oiir  local  s{.ilt  prcidiiction
indiistry',  we  would  be  able  to  provide jobs  for  Filipinos,  especially  in  fishing  communities,
anci  even  become exporters ourselves which  will  provide additional  reveniie to oiu. economy.
This  bill  recognizes  salt  as  an  aquatic  resource.  As  such,  it  is  integi.ated  into  the  core
fimction   ol`  the   Bureaii   of  Fisheries   and   Aquatic   Resources.   This   representation   humbly
ilitrodiices  ref`o!`iiis  rclatiiig  to  the  protection  and  de\Jelopnient  of` aquatic  resourc`cs  to  the  salt
indiistr}/'   takiiig   into   consideration   thi`   pressing   challeiiges   they   f`ace   that   continiic   to   be
dcti.imcntal  to  their  iiidustr}'.   Wc`  also  incliidcd  a  clear  mandate.  to  the  existing  go\/'ei.nmciit
agcncics  to aggressivel}J  idcntif`y  Potential  Salt  Prodiiction  Areas  (SPAs)  to  incrcasc  our  local
pr()duction and eomc  up with  incciitivcs for  invcstors  in the  industry.
Given  its  current  statiis,  Salt  as  an  ac|uatic  rcsourcc  shall  bc  given  utmost  focus  but
shall  capitalize  on  the  existing  mandates  and  policies  such  as  Republic  Act  8172.  otherwise
known  as  the  Act  f`()r  Salt   lodization  Natioiiwidi.  (ASIN   LAW'').   which  docs  not  require  a
separate  coiincil  or  bureau  for  the  devclopiiicnt  ot` the  `salt  itidustry.  Thcrcf`ore`  this  mcasiii.e
provides  fcH. the  cstablishmciit of`the  Philippine  Salt  liidiistry  Dcvelopmcnt Task  Force  which
shall   be  I.c`sponsiblc  for  the  f`orimilation  aiid   implenieiitation  ot` the  Philippine  Salt   Industry
I)cvclopment  Roadmap  w'hich  shall  guide  the  dcvclopment  and  pl.otcction  of oiii.local  salt
prodiielion  industl.y.
In  view  ()(`the  t`()I.egoiiig.  the  swi[`t  approval  of`this  bill  is  eat.tiestl}J'  sought.


R|`piihlic  ol`llie  l'liiliprtincs
IIOUSE 0F RHPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINF,TF,rlNTHct)NGREss
r`irst  Rc-gu]ar Session
HOUsEB|-L`L-ito.5876
Inll.oduci.cl  by  Representative Wilhcrt T.  I,ec
AN  A(.T`
DnFINING sAL'r As AN AQUATIC Ri:SouR(.:I: AND ESTABLisHING A
COMPREHENSIVE SALT INDUSTRY ENHANcli:MENT PROGRAM,
AMENI)ING FOR THE puRposr: REpuBLIC ACT No. 855(i, oTHERwisE
KNOWN AS "THE PHILIPPINE FISHERIES CODE 0F 1998," ANl) FOR
0THF,RPUR1'0SF,S
l}t'    i(    {',ii,(it\lt'tl    /)\`   llit'    St'ii{ilt'    ii77{/    ll(iiN    t)i    Rt'iM^{'`t'nlt)lI\`tj\   ()/    lil(    ]]lii[ii)I)iw`\    in   (`t}i7gr(I,w
u.s.`t'rr2blc>d:
1                          Sli:CTION   1.  [S'frt;;./   7Tj.//LJ.   This  Act  `shall   be  known  as  the  "Philippine  Salt   lndu`stry
2         Di`vi`lopmcntAct."
3                          SF,C.  2.  /)"'/oro/j.t;# t)/`/'fJ/7't'j'.   It  is  hcreb},'  clc`elared  tlic  polic}J  of` the  state  t{)  prom)te
4         alid   support   indiistrics  that  pro\idc   f`oocl  `scciirit}'.   hc.alth  and   nutritioil.  crcatc  and   gcncratc
5        employment,  redilce poverty.  promote agricultural  development,  envii.onmental  sustainability
6        and  promote  incliisive growth.
7                         T`o\`t'ards  this  end,  salt  is  hereb.v  declared  as  an  aquatic  resource.  Accordingly.  State
8         pt>Iicies  Scared  to\\ard  tlie  r)rotec.lion  of`  {i`herii`s  ancl  t7tlicr  aqiiatie  rc`sourcc`s  ari`  e,\tL`ndcd  to
9         co\i'er the  ``alt  resoui.ees and  its  prt)duction  iiidiistr_v.


1                            SF,C.  3.   (J/}/.{7t,.//.`'t?```.   Tliis  Act  aims  to  make  the   Pliilippinc  salt  indiistr}J   sufficient  for
2        aiid  compctitivc  in   local  and   intemational  markets  while  providing  opportunities  for  local
3        employment alid  establishing salt-based comiliunity enterprises by:
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a.     Promotiiig   the   integrated   and   htilistic   develor]mcnt   of  the   salt   indu`stry   ill
\'arious  {'ispects  ot`  pi.oduc`tioii`   processiiig.   marketing.   consumption.   c£`pacity
building`  research  and  devclopment`  modernization  and  regiilati()ti:
b.     Ensuring   that   the   salt    industry    has   suf`f`icieiit    identiricd    production    areas
through  the  usc-o(`technology:
c.     Ensuring  cooperation  with  various  govcrnmcnt  agcncics,  private  cntitics  and
otliel.  relc`vant  soul.i`cs.  to  aid  in  thc`  de\JelopiiiL`nt  o(`the  industi.}J':
d.     Promoting  investments  in  salt  farming  by  providing  substantial  and  atti.acti\Je
incentives to  investors;
c.     Pi.o\.'iding  skilled  laboi.  and  manpower  through  continuous  relevaiit  capacity
building;
f.      I;nsiiriiig   the    r)rtivision    of   locally    maliufactureci    maeliines    with    impr(jved
capaeit},',  emeiency,  and qualit}.' at competitive costs; and.
9.     Providing  access  to  markets  of  local  salt  locally  and   intcrnatioiially  thi.oiigh
aggressive trade  promotions:
19                        SEC.  4.  /)t?/;`#;.„.t»H?/'rc"t`.  ^s  used  in  this  Act.  the  f`ollowing  temis  are  defined,  as
20          t`()Ilows:
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a.     rf r/j..t'(t;7f7/  ,%{j  ,S'tj//  rcf`crs  to  unrefincd  sea  salt,  derived  dircctl.y  f`rom  a   living
sea  oi.  ocean,  harvestecl  alicl  cooked  thi.ough  a  natural  evaporation  process:  it
retains  natural  traces  o+` minerals  dependiiig  on  the  source  t"d  the  maiiner  of`
prodriction.  which  is  solar evaporation.  cooked  or sliioked.
t).     Fr)tx/`/tw'/{./;.c.«/j.or7  refers  {o  the  addition  of` niitiients  to  process  food  at  lcvcls
above the natural  state.
c.     /tjcJ;.:cJc/.`'tj//  refers  to  salt artificially spi.a}t'-c(iatcd  with  ioclinc.
d.     I.al.gtJ,-``{:iilc  Siill  Farm/'operalor,'`pr.odiice'r Teters to..
i)               An   indi\'idual  o\\`iil`r  t>r  leasehold  ol`a  salt   farm  that   is  iiioi.e  than
fift}'  (5())  but  not  more  tll{'in  five  hiindrecl  (500)  hectares.
ii)            ii.   An   as`sociation,   eooperativc   or  corporation   that  owns   or   is   a
lcascholder ot` a  salt  farm  that  is  moi.c  than  I-ifty  (50)  but  not  liiorc
tlian  I.000  hcctai.cs.
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e.    Medium~scale    Salt    Farmer/()pel.tllor/Producer    refers    \o    `tun    .ind.rv.idu`al.
associatioii,  coopei.ativc.  or corpoi.ation  that  owiis,  or  is a  lcasclioldci. of.  more
than three (3)  hectares but  more tllali  flft}`. (50) hectares of salt fariiis.
f.      /'/7;`/7`/j/jj.;'7tJ  ,``tJc7  .`'fr//  rc`l`crs  to  salt  produced   from   the  evaporation  of sea  water.
brine,  or conc`entrated  brine.  in  any  salt  farm  or refinery  u;ithin  the  Philippines.
9.    ^S'tr//  /i`c7H%   I.cfcrs  to  ai.cas  of`  land,   shorclincs.   or  coastal   areas.   including   its
biiildings.  machincrics,  and  equipment  iiscd  in  salt  production.
h.     ,ic7//  P;.f;c/rtc'iJj^  refei.s  to  an   individual  corporation.  cooperative.  t>i.  associatioii
iiivolvL`il  in  the  r>rodiii`titm  or`ea  salt.
i.       .`'t7//   '/`tJt`/7;zjtt/tjg}'  /)tJ„jr;77\``/ytj/;`t;#   ( '{J#/tJ;.  rt:/{7`'  to  trainiiig   facilities   whet.e  salt
f`arming,   harvesting,   cooking   and   packaging   arc   done   t`or   the   purpose   of`
conducting hands~on  training.  skills elihancement,  ancl  capacity-buildiiig.
j.      [S'#7f7//-,`.t'c7/t7  .`'tr// /{„.mcwljpL2;."/ow'j"tx/"t,.t9.  refers  to  an  individual.  association.
coopei.ativc`.  oi.  i`()rporation  thi'}t  t>\\Iis.  or  is  a  leascholder  or.  a  salt  fat.in  of not
more  than  three  (3)  heetarcs.
16                           SEC.  5.  +Sc///  c% z4t/!4fr/J.t,I  /t6J,`'tJ"7^t`c?.    For  purposes  o(`1his  Act.  the  followillg  provisions
17        of Republic  Act No.  8550`  otherwise  known  as  "The  pllilippine  Fisheries code of  l998."  are
18         hei.cb\  amended  lo  reacl  as  (`ollows:
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a.     Section  4  is  lici`eb\   a!iiiiided  to  react  as  l`ollo\\'s:
"SI.;(,`  4.  [)eflnition  of Terms.  -As  used  in  this Code.  the  phrases
shall  mean as follows:
XXX
11.   (`t};;7„jc';.cj.cJ/   ,S`ct7/c'   -A   scheme   of`  producing   a   minimum
aiiioimt  pi`i. .\car  o1` SAljT  OR  IIARVI`:ST  OF  iiiilk`ish  oi. otliei.
species   including  those  raised   ill   pens.  cages,   and  tanks  to   be
determined    by    the    I)epartment    in    consultation    with    the
concemcd  sectoi.s.
XXX
22,   I^`ish  and   l`i`hi`i`~\    ,/'\qua{ii`   Proiliii`ts  »   iili`ludc   not  oill\    iinli`h
but   also   mollusk.   crustaceans,   ecliinodei.iiis^   maritie   iiiamm£`ls.
and  all   othei.  spccics  ot` aqiiatic   flora  and  fauna  and  all   other
products of aquatic  living resources in any form,  AND SAluT.
XXX
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28.   Fisliert`olk   -   people   directly   or   personall}`   and   ph,vsicall,v
cngagi`d   in  taking  and/()r  culturing  and  pi`occssing  fishery  and
aquatic  resources  INCLUDING  SEA SALT PRODUCED  BY
SAl.,T FARMERS.
XXX
32.   Fishpond   -   a   land-based   facility  cnclosccl   with   earthen   or
stone   material  to   impound   water  for  gro\\Jing   fish   ANI)/OR
PRODUCINC-SALT.
XXX
47.    Fully   developed   L`ishponcl   Area   -   a   clean    leveled   area
enclosed   b.y   dikes.   at   least   one   t`oot   higher   than   the   highest
tloodwater   level    in   the    loc`£'ilit,v   and    slroiig   enoiigh   to   resist
pressiiri`  at  the  highest  (looil  tiili`:  coiisist  ol` at  least  a  nui.serv.  a
transition     poncl.     a     rearing     pond.     RESF,RVOIR     PONI),
EVAPORATING  POND, SALT CRYSTALIZER POND, or
a   combination   ot`  any   or   all   said   classes   of  pc)nds.   and   a
fiineti()iial  water  control  s.ysteiii  and  producing  in  a  comnierc`ial
sl`a'c."
b.     Section  46  is  hereby  ameilded  to  i'ead  as  follo\\,s:
"SEC.   46.    Lease   of   Fishponds/FISHPOND   WITH   SALT
FARMS  ~  Fishpond  lcascd  to  qualified  persons  and  fishcrt`olk
oi`gani7.ations,```i`i)aperati\`es    sh{~`11    be    subject    to    tlie    f(>Ilowing
ct)iiditions:
xxx"
(c)  Scelion  54  is hereby amended to read as  I`ollows:
"SEC.    54.    Ins`irance    t`or    Fishponds.    FISHPONDS    WITH
SALT  r`Al"S,  Fish  Cages,  and  Fish  Pens  -  Iiilancl  I``ishponds.
Ir`'LANn   FISIIP(JNDS  WITII   SAl,T   FARMS,   Fisli  C.ages.
I``ish   I'ens  shall   bc  covcrccl  under  lhc  insui.anec  progi.am  of the
Philippine  Crop  Insurance  Colt)oration  for  the  losscs  causcci  by
f`orcc  majeurc and  foiluitous eveilts."


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2                      F5EC. 6.  Philippine  salt  Inilu.Ntry  De>veltjpmenl  Rt>adliiap  (PSIDR). For the atrdmmeut
3        or  the  objectives  of  this  Act,   there   shall   be   formulated  and  establishecl  a  Philippine   Salt
4         lndusti.),I   Devclopmc'iit   Roadmap   (Roadmap)`   which   shall   include.   but   not   bc   limited   to.
5         programs.    prt)jecls    alicl    intcr\Jenlioiis    for    the    dcvclopmelit    ancl    iiianagemeiit`    research.
6         proccssiiig,    utilization,    in(jdci-nization    business    development.    ancl    commercialization    ()f
7        Philippine salt. 'l`he Roadmap shall  include the  following objectives. among others:
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a.     Identiry    existing    challenges    faced    by    the    industr,v    aiid    draw    possible
interventioiis;
b.     I.;xr)and  the  number ofsfilt~r)rodui.ing  {irL`as:
c.     Ensiii.e  the  siistainable  prodiietion,  management  and  harvesting,  and  soil  and
water conservation practices in these areas;
d.    Encourage salt farming:
e.     Ensiire the  siistainability and  \Jiability of the  salt  industry;
t`.      Prt-)mote  in\JcstmL`iits  in  the  salt  industr}/'  develoi)iiicnt  programs:
9.     Advance  mai.kct aci`ess  for  Philippiiic  salt  pi.odiicts  locall}J  aiicl  intemationall}'':
h.    Extend   technical   and   financial   assistance   for  the   devclopment`   proccssing`
commercialization and marketing of Philippine salt products;
I.      Reiiiiire  that  locaH}z-procluccd  salt  bc  iised  in  the  fcililization  of coconut  farms
b}'  tliL`  Philippine  C`ocomit   Authc)ri(}':
j.       I)evelop   anci   distinguisli   eatcgoi.}~'   ()f`  salt   areas   into   artisan   salt   pi.{)due.ti()ii
areas,  as  gourmet  salt  producing  areas.  iodized  salt  producing  areas`  salt  eco-
tourism  sites,  etc.;
k.    Address environmental  and  climate-change  related concerns affecting the  salt-
production  indiistr}/':
L      Introduction  of the  new  teehnolog}/'  based  on  robust  research  and  develc)pment
(R&l)) activities;
in.   Provide    continuous    training    and    capacity    building    ill    the    salt    industr};'
develor)meiit;  and
ii.     r'I.tj\Jiilc  technical  €mcl  financial  assistance  in  the  locfil  design  and  t`abrication  of
Iligll-c`apacit}J`  processing  eqliipment  ancl  macllineries  foI. the  salt  industl.y.
32                      SEC.7. Creatioii of the  philii)pine  salt  lrlduslry  Development Task  Force  (PSIDTF).
33        To   cnsilre   the   uniricd   and   integrated      implcmcntation   of  the   PSIDR   aiid   accelerate   tlic
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1         modernization  and  industi.ialization  of the  philippiiic  salt  industry,  a  phili|)pine  salt  Industr,v
2        Dcvelopmcnt Task Force (PSIDTF) is hereby created with the followiilg composition:
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a.    Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA)` as Chairperson;
b.    Secretar.y of the  I)epailmcnt of Trade and  lndusti.y (I)TI). as Co-Chairperson:
c`.     Seci.ctar,\'   or  the   Departmeli(   of  Si`ieiice   zincl   Techliolog}    (r)OST).   as   Co-
(.`hairpcrsoii:
d.     Dircctoi.  ot`  the  Bureau  c)f`  Fisheries  and   Aquatic   Resources  (DA-BFAR),  as
Vice Chairperson;
c.     Sccrctary of the Dcpartmcnt of lntci.ior and  Local C]overnmeilt (DILG):
f.      Secrctar)J t>t`the  Departmetit of Health  (DOH);
9.    Secretary of the  Dcpartmcnt of`Tourism  (D()T):
h.    The CEO ot`the  I.aiid  Bank  orthe  Philippines (LBP):
i.     One   representative  each   from   the   Lcaguc   of  Proviiices  ot`  the   Philippines,
I,eague   of  Cities   of  the   Philir)pines   and   I,eague   ot`  Municipalities   of  the
Philippi,,es:
i.      One   (I)   I.epreseiitative   eacli   fi.om   salt   famiers.   salt   manufacturers.   £iricl   salt
rJroccss associations;
k.     Oiie   (I)   represeiitati\;e   f`rcHii   the   private   sector   is   involved    in   a   business
bcl(tnging  to the  salt  industr.v.
20                          SF,C.   8.   /'t"Jf„   tj#t/  +`24;jt,./;`t-j#,`'  t?/I /Af,J   7't7,`'A   A.tj;.t,.t,J.   The   Task   Force   shall   have   the
21         following  powei.sand  fiinctions:
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a.     L`ormulale  the  Philippine  Salt  Industry  I)evelopmerit  Ro£`dmap  containing  the
short-term.  medium  term  and  lorig-term  dcvclopment  plan  covering  a  pcric)d
of five  (5) years:
b.     Idcritit`y  spccilic  and  !iriorit.\`   programs  and  prt-,)jccts  in  siipport  of`.  and   in  line
with.  the  Roadmap;
c.     I)etcrmiilc Potential  Salt  Production  Areas (SPA)
d.    Identify  sources  o+`  financing  and  t`acilitate  credit  windows  \vith  govemme."
baiiks and  the  ACPC`  to expand  the  salt  inc{usti.}; development:
e.     Increase  production  of  local   salt   b}   inc`reasing  land  area  devoted  to  salt  and
improving  farm  productivit}J:
f.     Institutionalize   capacity   building   for   salt   farmers   thi.ough   the   Agricultural
Training  liistitutc:
6


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3
4
5
6
7
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10
11
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14
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16
9.     Strengthen  market  linkage ancl  proiiiotion  of philippine  s{'llt:
h.    Conduct     continuing     rcscarch     and     dcvclopment     on      innovation     and
modemization  of the  salt  industry,  including  postharvest technologies and the
establishment or laboratoi.y centers  for iodization  {`or f`tjod  grade salt;
i.      Establish  ^gri-insiirancc  progi.am  f`or  salt  produc`ers:
j.      Coordinate    \vith    the    I)epartmL`iit   ot`   Fnvironmcnt    aiid    Natiiral    Rcsoiirces
(DENR)  and  the  Climate  Change  Commission  (CCC)  on  programs  to  protect
salt-prodiicing areas and coastlines:
k.    Siibmit  aniiual  rcports`  not  later than  Jiinc  30  of`cach  year.  to the  Ot`ficc ot`thc
President  ancl  to  eac`li   [loiise  or Coiigress  t)n  the  statiis  ol` tlie  implementatii)n
ot`thc  Roadmap and the salt  ii`dustry dcvclopmcnt  in the country:
I.     Recommend   to   tile   I)epzirtment   (tf  Budget   and   Management   the   i.eqiiired
yearly appropl.iations  for the plan and  implemcntation  of the  salt development
programs: ancl
in.   Promulg.ate   such   rilles  and   rc.gulations   and   cxcrcisc   such   other  powers  and
functions as rna.v  be  iiecessai.y  to cai.I.}/' out  the  objectives or this  Act.
L7                         SFjc.   9.   Phili|)I)ine,   Salt   lnduslr)>   De\'e,Io|rmenl   Tc].sk   Force   Pro`jec'l   Maltiilgement
18        (?//}t,`t,'  //',``//)7'f``-/',ly/fJ/.  A  Project  Management  Offiee  (PMO)  is  hereby  created  which  sliall
19        be  headed  b}'  the  Director ot`the  Bureaii  ofFisheries  and  Aqiiatii`  Resources  (DA-BFAR).  to
20         o\'ersec  [hc`  overall   implementation  or(he  PSII)R.  Thcj.  P\'10  \\;ill  serve  as  the  Seci.et£`riat  to
21        prcparc   coordiliatc,   colisolidate   reports   and   monitor   the   implcmentation   of  the   policies.
program and  project of the PSIDTr`.
SE.C.  \0.  Ide'nlificllli(in,  lmd  Dcclarali()n  ()f P()lern[ial  Still  Pr()ducli()n  Area`s  (SPA.V.
25          Thc`  PSIDTF`  shall   iiletitif.v  arc`a`  `iiitahli`  foi.  `alt  pi.oduction  arc`as  \\/'ithin  r)ublie  domi`in.  and
26         areas   v\iith   iiatural/rock   s.air   deposits.   A   I.epoi.1   shall   be   publi`shed   b},`   the   Task   Ft>i.ce   for
27        declaration   of  the   I)A    Secretary   as   SPAs.   The   DA-Bureau   of  Fisheries   and   Aquatic
28        Resources  (DA-BFAR)  shall  f`acilitatc  the  prompt  I.egistt.ation  of salt  farms  identified  by  the
29         PSID'T`F      as   well   as   assist   in   tlie   design,   construction,   and   development   of  small-scale
30         ailisanal  Salt  [`ariiis.  eitliei.on  its  o\\Jn  or  through  [iartnership  with  the  private  scctoi.`  \,\Jhile  the
31         I)(.)ST  shall   pi`o\/'idc   tlie   necessary   technolog,+   in   the   c`onstruction   of`  large-scale   salt  t`arms
32        employilig modern  technologies to  increase production efriciency and environmentally-sound
33         prac`tices.
7


1                         Whenever  applicable  {'ind  necessfiry`  the  DENR  shall  promptly  act  on  the  processing
2        and  issuancc tjf`pcrmit.s and  clearances,  siich as  Environmciital  compliance ccrtiticatcs,  prior
3        to  the  coiistruction  of  salt  farms  to  ensure  that  such  projects  will  not  cause  a  significant
4        negative  impact  on  the  environment.  I+.`or  purposes  oreligibility  and  prit)rity  for  the  lease  of
5         the  lie\z\l},-c`onstriicted  salt  t`arms.  the  D^-BrAR  sliall  promulgfitc  criteria  in  the  expeditious
6        approval  (tf. SPAs.  taking  into  consideration  priority  to  small  salt  famicrs  and  artisanal  salt
7         f`armers.
8                       SFTAC,.  \1.  Ii`ishp()nd  ljease   Agreements  i()  Include   Salt  Producli()n.  \:.lshpond  i.c8isc:
9        Agrccments (FLAs) shall  automatically  include  salt t`arming or production as amoiig the valid
10         activities  tliat  may  be  undertakcti  li.y  the  leaseholder.  r`I,A  liolders  who  intend  to  \Jentiirc  intt>
11         salt  f`arming  shall  bc  given  the  same  siipport,  training,  and  financiiig  giveii  to  salt  t`armers,  as
12         providedundei.thisAct.
13                        FSEC   12.    Funding   fin.   lhc',    Deve'l()pmenl   ()f   Sall    Fiirnis`    Leil.se    ()`/`   G()vernmenl
14         /.)c`,.cJ/rj/7{7t/ ,`Yfy//  4'c7r;j'j.`',   tz#t/  /,`t77t7./7;;;t7;j/.   ~  The  I)A-BrAR.   in   consultation   with   indivicluals.
15         corr)()rations.  ass(>ciations,  ancl  co()pc`rati\,'cs  f`rt)in  tlie  salt  industr},`.  will  allocate  and  provide
16         t`unding  {`iiid  technic£`l  support  needed  for  the  maintenance.  repair,  and  iipgrading  of existing
17        salt   l`amis  and   newly   constructed   govcrnmcnt-f`undcd   salt   projects.   The   funds  will   cover
18        materials`    dike    and    canal    I.epairs,    equipment.    and    other    items    specifiecl    by    industry
19        stakch()iders.  eiisuring  the  c(>ntinucd  pi.oductivity  and  eompetitivcncss  of  the  salt   industry.
20         Goverimient  financial  institiitions  such  fis  but  not  liniite{l  ti).  the  I,and  Bank  of the  philippines
21         (I,BI')  alid  the  I)evelopment  Bank  of the  philippines  (I)BP),  shall  extend  financial  assistance
22        to  viable  projects  of eligible  and  credit-worthy  salt  farmers.  cooperatives  and  micro.  small,
23        and  mediiHTi  enterprises  (MSMF,s)  f`or  the  development`  operation,  and  improvemellt  of salt
24        t`arms,lease ofgovcriiment-developed  salt f`arms. and  purchase of`salt f`arming equipment.
2.5                               i+F,C.13.    I.xt'm|)ti(}yl    ()i   ('x|)orl('tj    `{111    (tlld    .+(}11    .s()ld    `lrl    I()('{11    ur`()IIl.mc'I    (nlflt'l.s   fl.()in
26        „7tjHt/"/tj;?' ;.tjt/;.zt7/7.tt;j.  Philippine  sea  salt c<\ported  to  other c()untrics.  those  to  bc  sold  to  local
27        gourmet  outlets`  and  those  to  be  used  for other commercial  applications  not  related  to  food
28        t`ortitication  such  as.  but not  liiiiited to.  water trcatmcnt,  feeds,  and chemical  processing.  shall
29        be  exempt   from   iiiandatory'   iodization   provided   under  the  pl.ovisions  of  Republic  Act  No.
30          8172  or  ASIN   I,a\\/'.   I.`oocl  manul`ac{iirei.s.   I.estaiH.ants  anc{  chef`s  ma}/'  also  be  e.\eiiiptcd   in  the
31         mandatoi.y  use  ofiodized  salt  on  their  specific  products  iilider  guidelines  to  be  issued  by  the
32        I.`l)A  when  the  taste  oi.  quality  of the  product  will  bc  significantly  altered  with  the  use  of
33          it)dizecl  salt.
8


1                            SEC.14.    C'c7/;czc'j./.i,`   DtJ`J{3/t.j/7#'ity`j/  `/?„   ,Stz//   Ftjj';726.r.^`......   The   DA,   together   with   the
2        DOST.  DTI.  FDA.  and TESDA,  shall  provide complementary trainillg  programs to  develop
3        and   enhance   the   skills   and   competencies   of  Philippine   sfllt   farmers   and   producers   and
4         {`griprc`nuers.   to   ensure   product   traecability   ancl   ct)mpliancc   to   I.God   safety.   technology
5         acquisititjn  inclii{Iiiig  produc(  labelling  arid  packaging.  conduct  contiiiiious  training  on  market
6         positioiiiiig    l`or    Philippine    artisanal/spccialt,v    and    industrial    salts    and    siich    (>thcr    skills
7        ncccssary  ill the maintenance and development ofthc  local salt industry. These agencies shall
8        also assist the  f`armers to  bc able to crfectively comply with  the requirements o``Rcpublie  Act
9         T\'o.  8172.  othcrwisi`  knou'n  as "An  Act  t`oi. Salt  Iodization  Nationwide  (ASIN)".
Lf )                                SF.C,.15.    Ill.tjlilt)litwi   t)I   yit>n~IJ`titlilitjyi{}I    +tlll   `/`{u^miiig   lnclhodt)It)gic.s   (intl   lcchrliqi,Ie,s.
11        The  PSIDTF  is  mandated  to also  promote altcmative  methods and  techniques ot`salt  fai.ming
12        £`vailable that allow year-round  production of salt even iinder erratic weather patterns.
13                       The    introduction    of   the    iiew    technology    will    bc    prccedcd    by    research    and
14         de\Jelopment   (R&l))   activities.   spearheadecl   h~\'   the   I)ep£`rtment   of  Agriciilture-   National
15          I.i`hi.ries   RL``i`arch   anil   I)evi`lor)meiil   lnsti(utL`  (I)A-NI.Rl)I).   in   close  e()orciination   with   the
16         I)(_)ST.  pi.oposedtothe  PSII)TL`.
17                          SEC.    16.   /tc>^`'cJo7.c/2   4777cJ   /)c>vL./t7p7j7c777/   rzzMJ/.    -The    I)A~NI..R[`)I       shall   conduct
18        research`   either  on   its  own  or  in  collaboration  with   SUCs,  to  enhance  the  technological
19         dcvclopmeiit.   provide   apr>lical.lc   policy   dit.cction,   and   develop   iiinovative   project-based
20          inter\'eiitions  that  nia}   be  atiop{e{}  {tlii]  impli`niented  to  {'ichieve  thi.  objcclivcs  ot`tliis  Ac`t.  I`hc
21         I)A  shall  collabor£`te  \\rith  I)OS'l`  alicl  I)Tl  to  pi.ovide  a  c(>mmon  fund  ancl  fiiiaiieial  re`sources
22        to  the   cooperatives   and   local   enterprises   for  this   purpose.   SUCs   shall   also   be   awarded
23        funding` grants, and subsidies to engage  in research and development, extension  training.  and
24         otheH.L`latcd  activities to iipgrade  the  salt  industr}'.
25                              SEC.17.   Rt;/t'  t)/  /4t'   /,fjt,`t7/  (7'tj\'t';.;'I;j;t';7/   /,'j;;./.``      I,ocal   Govci.iimi`nt   Uiiits  (I,GUs)   in
26         coor]eration  with  the   DA-NT'-RDI   .   Dr,NR,   i)Tl  and  the  I)OST~FPRDI`  and   in  consiiltatioii
27        w`ith  the   DA  and   BFAR  shall   identif};  appropriate  areas  for  locitl   salt  prodiiction   in  their
28        rcspectivc  localities.
2:9                       SEC.18.  E,sl,ablishmeHf  of proviricial`  Cily  and Munjcipc{l  salt  lnduslry  Developrnenl
30          '/tf`'A'   /``t);.c.t'   t7;'jc/  ,``c7//   /jjt/".`./;i`   /Jt'\ttJ/t;/7#7cJ;"   /';.fjiJ;`tM7,`.    I.GLs   shall,   as   t`ar   as   praetii`able.
31         estaLtlisli    theii.   respecti\,'e    Salt    liidustr}'    Development    Task    Force.    LGUs    shall    regularl.\'
32        coiiduct a  survey  of`cxisting  salt  I`arms and  salt cnterpriscs  in  their respective  localities.
33                      Each  local  Salt  Industry  Development Task  Force  shall  conduct  a  survey  of existing
34        salt  processing eiitcrprises that arc operating  ill the  locality.


1                         SF.C,.1C}.  Provi`sion  o`f lrlc:elili\>e.s  lo  lnvesl,or..s  in\iolved  in  the  salt  De\Jel,oi)ment.  The
2         t`ollowing   iliccntivcs   shall   be   provided   to   iiivcstors   in   salt   fai.ms   devclopmcnt   aiid   salt
3         processing  facilities:
4
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6
7
8
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16
a.     Tile    Bt->ard   of   Investments   shall    classi``.v   salt    farms   as   prcf`crrcd   ai.eas   of
investment  uiidei`  its  ln\'estment  Priorities  Plan  (IPI')  subject  to  pertinent  rules
and  regulations;
b.    Salt farm  owners, and processors and other related  businesses shall  be exempt
from   the   payment  of`  import  duties   for   imported   machines  and  cquipmciit
silbjcct  to  pcrtincnt  r`ilcs  aiid  i`cgulations:
e.     Salt  farm  ou/nLJ'rs  ill  public   lands  shfill  be  exemr)t  l`rom  the  pa);ment  or  I`orest
charges  that  ma}/I  bc   imposed  b}/'  the  national  go\,'cmmcnt  and  {)thci.  fccs  oi.
taxes  imrtosed  by  I.GUs;
d.    The   salt   farmers   aiid   processors   shall   bc   given   priority   to   access   credit
fissistance £`nd  giiaranlee  schenies  being  granted  by  Gr`Is;  and
c.      Salt  l`an.n  devi`lopmerit  and  thi`ir  equipmeiit  sliall  be  covcrei]  I)}'  the  Philippine
Crop  Insurance (,`orpor£`tion.
17                        SEC.  20.  C'tj7?fro/  Aft?f7Ls'7/j.e`s'.   Under  existing  food  and  safety  protocols  and  policies,
18        tile  BrAR  shall  continue  to  implement  measures  ensuring  compliance  (]f salt  farmei.s  with
19         food  safet,v  laws  and  guidelines  intended  for  h`iman  alid  aniihal  consumption.  Provided  that,
20        salt  which  are  not  intended   for  food  colisumption  shiiH  not  h¢  subjei`ted  to  rood  sal`et}/'  laws
21         aiidguidelincs:
22                        The  BFAR  Regional  offices  shall  ensiire  that pure`  un-iodizecl  salt  shall  be  issued  the
23         iiecessar}'' transport permits and ccrtification documents f`orthe piH.poses  it  is  intcndcd.
24                          SF,C.  21.  f77t;`77o#  j3c7`gf]krt'tn  I)tJ\'c/tj/wwtyj/.    All  stakeholders  in  the  salt  indiistry  shall
25         coritiibiitc  to  the  devL`I()pment  ot`a  siis{ainablL`  hiimaii  resoiirL`c  for  the  industr}J.  Towards  this
26        end.   the    DOLE.    in   collaboration   with   the   duly   recognized    salt   associations   and   salt
27        coopcrativcs,  the commission  on  Higher  Education`  the TI;Sl)A,  the  professional  Rcgulatioii
28        Commission   (PRC)   and   the   private   sector,    shall    formulate   and    impleinent   a   l`'.Iuman
29         Resources  I)cvelopment  (HRD)  Master plan  l`orthc  salt  industry which  shall  include.  but  not
30         limited  to.  the  follow'ing:  a)  Capacity  biiilding.  skills  trainingst  institutional  strengthening  of
31        the    salt    farm    workers.    salt    rarmcrs   and    their   organizati(>ns   t(>   actively'    contribute    ill
32        productivity   and   competitiveness:   b)    Scholarship   program    for   the   underprivileged    but
33        deserving  collcgc  and  post-gi.adilatc  students  \\/`ho  are  taking  lip  courses  in  relevaiit  fielcls  of
10


1         discipline    in    SUCs    which    have    pi.ogrfims    in    agriciilture`    agricultural    engineeiing    and
2        mechanics`  and  chemical  cngincering/salt  technology;  and  for  vocational  courses  and  skills
3        devel()pment  for  farmers  and   farm  technicians.   and   skilled  workers  in   salt  farms;  and  c`)
4         (`onduct  orcapabilit}'  trainiiig  or  attenciance  to  I(jcal  oi.  international  trainiligs  and  seminars
5         b\'  salt  t`amiers and  \\orLers.
6                         SEC.   22.   ,4/7p;.fj/7r;.{j/;.t;#L`'.    An   amoilnt   or  One   BiHion   Pesos   (Pl,000,00(),()00)   is
7        hereby.  allotted  for this  purpose  of Research  and  Development e.specially  on  salt  production
8        technology  the  first  3  years  of  implementation  ot` this  Act.  The  amount  necessary  for  the
9        implcmcntation   ot`  the   other  aspects  of`  the   PSIDR   tand   this   Act   shall   be  charged   to  the
10         ar)pi.opriiltit)ns  of thc`  agenciL``  i`oni`L`riiL`d  a`  mat   ht`  £`pr)ropi.ifiti`d+   under  the  currcnl  Geiicral
11         AppropriatiolisAct.
12                       A  salt I)evelopment rlilid  shall  be createcl and funded  from  the tariffs on  salt imports.
13        This  f`und  shall  bc  used to  partially  fund  the  identification,  construction,  and  development of
14         gt>vernmenl-fimded  salt  l`ai.Ills  as  specified  in  tliis  Act.
15                               SE(.1.    23.    /o7/;/ojw;7/;.H`LJ   /?j7/t„   {t;7t/   /{tJ`€Jz/t7/j`tj#.`.    Withiii    sixt.\J   (60)   da.\/'s    I.i.oni    tlic
16         et```ectivit};  of this  Act`  The  [)^`  the  DOST  and  the  I)TI.  in  eoiisultation  with  the  membersof
17        the  Task   I.`orcc  and  other  relevant  stakeholders,   shall   promulgate  the  necessary   rules  anci
18        regulatioiis forthe ef`fective  implementation of this Act.
19                          SEC.      24.      ^Stap#7^czb7./j./);     (i/cizt,`.c>.      Sh{)uld      any      provision      herein      be      dcclai.ed
20         unc`onstilutioiial   or   iii\J:'`lid.   tlie   same   shall   not  af`fec{  the  validit}/'   of`the  other  provisions  of`
21          this  Act.
22                        SEC.   25.   ('t7;'/gyc'^?L`'/.o#o/   (jver,s'/.gfo/.    The   Congressional   Oversight   Conimittee   on
23        Agriculture  and  L`isheries  Modernization  (COCA")  shall  see  to  the  frill  implemet"ation  or
24         tllis  Act.
25                            `SEC.  26.  /?t'/)t'ti//;/<tiJ  ('/t{i/``t'`     All   laws^  decrees.  orilei.s.  I.iilcs  all(l  i.egiilations  or  other
26         issuai`ccs or parts  inconsi`stcnt  with  the  provisions of`this  Act arc  hcl.cb}r  repealed  or modified
27         accordingl};.
28                        SEC.   27.   E/rc>c/;.w./}J.    This   Act   shall   take   cf`fect   fifteen   (15)   days   following   its
29        pllblication  in the ot`ficial  Gazette or in two (2)  newspapers of general circulation.
3o                               A r>rt!`tivccl`
11