To boost local salt production and strengthen the regional salt sector, Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU) officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, February 18, 2025. Held at the NORSU Main Campus I Board Room, the signing ceremony formalizes a collaborative effort to transfer advanced salt production technology from the shores of La Union to the fisherfolk of Negros Oriental.

The partnership centers on the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) project. Under this agreement, DMMMSU—through its Fisheries Research and Training Institute (FRTI), will share its innovative salt production technology which NORSU will adopt and implement, providing continuous development support and materials to local salt producers. The collaboration targets the sea salt producers in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.

Dr. Noel Marjon E. Yasi, NORSU President, expressed his solidarity with the project.

Dr. Jaime I. Manuel, Jr., President of DMMMSU, through its Chancellor, Dr. Junifer Rey E. Tabafunda, committed his institution’s technical expertise to the success of the Negros-based salt farms.

Dr. Merivic G. Catada, Vice President for Administration and Finance and CEST Project Leader, shared the objectives of the project. The event was also attended by other NORSU key officials.