This project explores the evolving practices of salt farming in the Philippines, emphasizing its cultural framing as a “farm.” Unlike the industrialized terminology of “salt flats,” the term “farm” reflects a deep connection between human labor and the land, while the designation of “farmers” highlights the dignity and humanity of those who sustain this craft. Through visual documentation, the project examines how traditional practices and small-scale technological innovations coexist in a localized transition toward modernization.

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The photographs capture three key aspects of this transformation: the introduction of a rail-carriage system to transport salt baskets, reducing the physical toll on farmers; the adaptation of plastic-lined beds to expedite production and address environmental challenges; and the experimental use of woven plastic baskets designed to replicate traditional tools. These innovations enhance efficiency while preserving the cultural identity of salt farming, highlighting the farmers’ resilience and adaptability. This project invites viewers to reflect on the nuanced meanings of progress and the importance of preserving human dignity within evolving systems of labor.

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Photos below are printed using the very salt harvested by the local farmers featured in these photographs, creating a profound connection between the subject and the medium. By employing the salt paper printing method—a historic photographic process involving silver nitrate and salt—the works transcend traditional documentation. Salt sourced from Pangasinan imbue each print with the essence of its origin, preserving not only the visual story but also the tactile memory of the region’s heritage. This interplay between process and material mirrors the delicate balance of craft and resourcefulness upheld by the salt farmers.

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Through these prints, the series seeks to honor the resilience and dedication of Pangasinan’s salt farmers while reflecting on the fragility of traditional industries in the face of modernity. The photographs become artifacts that not only depict but also embody the salt-making culture, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into a disappearing livelihood shaped by both nature and human ingenuity.