A new government-backed research facility aimed at modernizing salt production has opened in Pangasinan, a province long known as the country’s traditional hub for salt making.

The Accelerating Salt Research and Innovation (ASIN) Center was inaugurated on February 17, 2026 at the Pangasinan State University Binmaley campus under the Department of Science and Technology’s Niche Centers in the Regions (NICER) program.

The facility will focus on developing modern methods and improving existing salt processing techniques, part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s salt industry and support local producers.

Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum described the opening as a milestone for the sector.

“And so today we mark the beginning of the new chapter all over the country,” Solidum said.

Regional DOST Director Teresita Tabaog said the initiative aims for nationwide impact beyond its initial launch.

“Ngayon po we’ll start something. We hope na hindi magtatapos ito by launching. Hindi lang sa Region 1 buong Pilipinas,” Tabaog said.

Officials said the ASIN Center is the first facility in Pangasinan dedicated to research and innovation in salt production. The province has long been regarded as the country’s “Salt Capital” and its name is derived from “panag-asin-an,” meaning “where salt is made.”

Elbert Galas, president of Pangasinan State University, said the facility aligns with the university’s development goals.

“The ASIN Center reflects the university’s vision of becoming an industry driven, institution of high learning and it’s mission to advance inclusive growth through instruction research, extension and production that directly uplift communities and transform lives,” Galas said.

The project was completed through collaboration among national government agencies, the university and local authorities. Officials said partnerships have also been established with institutions in Japan, India and Indonesia.

Construction of the building and its operations manual were completed in 2025, followed by training programs and seminars for salt farmers in preparation for full operations, according to project organizers.

Officials said the center is expected to support innovation, improve productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of the Philippine salt industry.