Geographic information system mapping and pattern distribution of salt production in the Municipality of San Lorenzo, Guimaras

Abstract

Salt is one of the oldest commodities produced, traded, and consumed in the Philippines. Before any colonial influences, a long history of indigenous salt-making already existed. However, by the year 2000, the supply had reduced dramatically due to a variety of factors. Although remote sensing technologies, such as Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, have been extensively utilized to enhance agricultural productivity in the Philippines, the spatial dynamics and patterns of salt production remain relatively understudied. Through the integration of GIS technology and field surveys, this study aims to produce a map and analyze the pattern distribution of salt production in the Municipality of San Lorenzo, Guimaras. Three out of 12 barangays were identified as salt-producing sites and recorded with 13 actively operating salt farms. Ocular visits and interviews were done utilizing a profile data sheet to gather salt production information. The geographic coordinates were recorded using a GPS and the DA-Geocamera and Google Earth images of the salt production areas were digitized in ArcGIS 10.8.2 software to generate the maps. Results show that salt production in the Municipality of San Lorenzo is located mainly at Brgy. Cabano, Brgy. M. Chavez and Brgy. Suclaran and has a total area of 30.85 ha with 134 salt producers, producing an average annual production of 468.5 metric tons of salt. Spatial analysis techniques, including point pattern analysis was employed to identify spatial trends and patterns in salt production. The findings revealed that the production of salt within the Municipality of San Lorenzo in Guimaras is considered dispersed as to production index.