On February 26, 2026, a Pre-Registration Seminar (PRS) was conducted at the Saoit Peoples Center in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen and formalize local salt producers’ organizations in the province. The conduct of the Pre-Registration Seminar is a step prior to registration, ensuring that prospective members clearly understand the nature, obligations, and benefits of forming a cooperative. It was conducted in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry – Ilocos Norte Provincial Office, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Burgos and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte. The initiative forms part of DTI’s continuing program to strengthen and develop the salt industry in the province, encouraging salt producers to organize and formally register their associations as cooperatives.
The seminar was attended by two prospective groups with 49 participants: The proposed Bayog Fishermen Cooperative –with 19 participants and Mariposa Fishermen Cooperative with 30 participants.
The initiative directly supports DTI’s thrust to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the local salt industry. Several salt producer groups in Burgos and nearby communities have expressed strong interest in organizing and formalizing their operations to Improve production management, access to government assistance and training programs, strengthen market linkages and promote product quality and industry standards. Also, by registering as cooperatives, these groups will gain legal personality, enabling them to access broader financial, technical, and marketing support from government agencies and partner institutions.
The collaboration among DTI Ilocos Norte, the Local Government of Burgos, and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte demonstrates a unified commitment to grassroots economic development. Through institutional support and capacity-building activities, local fisherfolk and salt producers are empowered to transform informal groups into structured, sustainable organizations.
The conduct of the Pre-Registration Seminar marks a significant step toward building stronger, self-reliant group that will contribute to the long-term growth and resilience of the salt industry in Ilocos Norte. (Rosievic R. Medina, CDS II)
