RA11985: PHILIPPINE SALT INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ACT
Republic Act No. 11985, also known as the "Philippine Salt Industry Development Act," aims to strengthen and revitalize the salt industry in the Philippines. This law declares it a state policy to promote rural development, increase rural income, and achieve salt self-sufficiency, with the ultimate goal of becoming a net exporter of salt. It defines various types of salt, salt producers, and salt farms, and outlines the creation of a Philippine Salt Industry Development Roadmap and a Philippine Salt Industry Development Council to oversee its implementation. The act emphasizes increasing local salt production, encouraging salt farming, promoting investments, and supporting research and development in the industry.
The law has significant implications for the Filipino people by aiming to make the country self-sufficient in salt, which is a basic commodity. It provides support to salt farmers and producers through technical and financial assistance, mechanization, capacity building, and market access. The creation of the Salt Industry Development and Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (SIDCEF) from tariff collections on imported salt will directly benefit salt cooperatives and associations, particularly subsistence and small farmers and fisherfolk. Furthermore, the mandatory use of domestically produced salt in government programs and the option for artisanal and non-food grade salt to be non-iodized caters to diverse needs and preferences, while also boosting local livelihoods and ensuring food safety standards for consumers.