BFAR trains salt focal persons on SIMS in Aklan

A Digital Pivot for Philippine Salt

In Kalibo, Aklan, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) conducted training for salt focal persons nationwide regarding the Salt Information Management System (SIMS). BFAR describes SIMS as an integrated, centralized system designed to update the management, monitoring, and coordination of the salt sector.

Centralizing National Production Metrics

The SIMS platform simplifies the process of registering salt and managing production data across municipal, provincial, regional, and national levels. By consolidating industry data, the agency aims to strengthen monitoring and coordination of the salt industry throughout the Philippines.

Standardizing Field Operations

Throughout the Aklan training sessions, attendees participated in interactive system exploration and hands-on demonstrations to improve their technical proficiency in using SIMS for effective monitoring, evaluation, and system operation. Hannibal M. Chavez, Director of the National Salt Program Management Office (NSPMO), stressed the importance of the transition:

“To make our system smarter, we must first make sure that our data is right. That is why your participation in this national training is essential.”

Ensuring Data Integrity

Director Chavez emphasized that accurate data supports the system and highlighted the role of field personnel in keeping it running correctly. The initiative was designed to unify procedural understanding, bolster collaboration between implementing offices, and guarantee that the system addresses the operational requirements of field staff. The session, which hosted Development of Salt Industry Program (DSIP) focal persons from across the country, was arranged by the NSPMO in partnership with BFAR 6.