Due to low sales, some vendors in Barangay Dilavo, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte have ended up giving away half a kilo of salt for every kilo a customer purchases. 

As of this writing, salt is sold at P100 for every three kilos.

One of the vendors, Teresita Lagazo, said selling is more difficult this year compared to 2023.

“Okay naman, pero mahina di katulad nung isang taon. Ngayon, marami na kaming nagbebenta dere-deretso ‘yan [na mga nakahilera] hanggang doon,” she said.

They attribute the low sales to the rise in salt prices and the growing competition among salt vendors in the area.

Residents continue to purchase salt as it remains a staple ingredient in cooking and household use.

“Kahit na mahal, pang-gamit kasi [sa] araw-araw [ang asin] kaya kami bumili,” Julie Germar, a customer, said.

“Okay lang kasi mas mura pa yan kesa [doon] samin, sa amin [ang] isang cup lang [ng asin] sampung piso na,” Lita Dalmacio, another shopper, added.

Salt production, known locally as "panagsana," is a significant livelihood in the town, particularly in Barangay Dilavo, with many families depend on the salt industry for their livelihood.