LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga commended the leadership of Gov. Ramon V. Guico III and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Gov. Mark Ronald DG Lambino during her visit to the Provincial Capitol on Feb. 16.
“This is the kind of integrated approach that is necessary to secure food, health, nutrition, and water essential to energy security,” Sec. Loyzaga said.
She also cited the province as an exceptional example of integrated development in its approach towards social and economic development in the time of climate change.
Sec. Loyzaga made the reaction after VG Lambino’s presentation on the update of the province’s two transformative projects: the Solar Salt Farm and the Bangus Hatchery and Breeding Station located in Bolinao.
The recent acquisition and development of 473 hectares of salt farm, along with the launch of a 238 million peso bangus hatchery and breeding facility, marks significant milestones in the province’s journey towards sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic revitalization.
Further, the salt project ensures steady eco-friendly production of high-quality salt, positions Pangasinan as a leader in sustainable resource management, provides a boost to the local economy, creates jobs, supports industries, and promises eco-tourism while maintaining ecological balance and preserving coastal landscapes.
As of February 15, 2024, Pangasinan Salt Center had produced a total of 804. 627 metric tons.
Meanwhile, the Bangus Hatchery is set to become a cornerstone of the aquaculture sector, significantly increasing the supply of bangus, a nutritionally important fish in the community.
VG Lambino described said projects as testaments to what the province can achieve when government, community, and industry leaders come together with a shared vision.
He called on the province’s esteemed partners in the national government for their support of these ventures, which demonstrates the power of collective action in achieving a sustainable, prosperous, and resilient future.
VG Lambino thanked DENR Sec. Loyzaga, the entire workforce of the DENR and its attached agencies, for their unwavering support and visionary leadership that have been instrumental in realizing the projects.
Impressed by the presentation, DENR Sec. Loyzaga stated that she sees here an example of leadership that understands the linkages between biodiversity, climate change, environmental management, forestry, and land management, as well as inclusive and resilient development.
From Lingayen, Sec. Loyzaga visited Pangasinan’s Salt Farm at Barangay Zaragosa,Bolinao, for ceremonial harvesting and a meeting with salt farm workers. She was joined by First District Congressman Art Celeste, Vice Governor Lambino, and local chief executives.
“Itong project ay bilang tugon sa panawagan ni Presidente Bongbong Marcos na muling buhayin ang salt industry dito sa bansa.So on behalf of DENR, sana nakatulong po kami sa muling pagbuhay sa asin industry dito. At kung mayroon pa kaming maitulong, please huwag kayong mag-hesitate na lumapit saa amin,” Sec. Loyzaga said.
The establishment of the Pangasinan Salt Center is one of Gov. Guico’s priority projects.
Meanwhile, Augusto D. Dela Pena, Undersecretary for Organizational Transformation and Human Resources, looked forward to a more collaborative relationship with the LGUs in Pangasinan.
Attendees include Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, CESO I, Undersecretary for Field Operations—Luzon, Visayas, and Environment, Regional Directors, PENROs, CENROs, DENR workforce and its attached agencies, Board Members, Congressmen, Lingayen Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil, Department Heads, and Chiefs of Hospitals headed by Provincial Administrator Melicio Patague II. (Chona C. Bugayong, Marilyn Marcial, Orland Llemos, Omar Cruz, Joey Olimpo, and PIMRO)
