In the town of Miag-ao, Iloilo, the age-old tradition of harvesting sea salt dates back to 1823. Lorlie Noblezada, a 49-year-old mother of nine, is determined to keep this cultural practice alive by running an artisanal salt business with her husband.

As a fourth-generation saltmaker, Noblezada's husband carried on the family business of producing salt the traditional way– allowing seawater to evaporate under the sun on bamboo beds. After harvesting the salt, they roast it to eliminate impurities and ensure a clean, quality product.

Noblezada, a registered social worker, recognized the importance of continuing this heritage and made this her advocacy as an empowered woman.

"For a woman entrepreneur like myself, continuously upskilling and innovating our business approach is not just important - it's vital for survival," Noblezada said.

"The world is evolving rapidly, and if we want to expand and share our heritage with a wider audience, we must embrace digital marketing and maintain an online presence. We cannot afford to cling to outdated methods out of fear or hesitation. Having an open mindset and adaptability are key to ensuring our traditional crafts and local businesses remain relevant and thrive in this modern age,” she added.

The couple started their artisanal salt enterprise in March 2018, with the primary goal of reviving and preserving the salt-making techniques of Miag-ao.

While honoring tradition, Noblezada also understands the need to modernize their business approach. With help from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), they learned food safety practices and how to effectively market their products.

Most recently, Noblezada joined PLDT Enterprise's "Speed Dating: Business Edition" which provided practical digital solutions to help micro, small, and medium enterprises like hers improve operations. The event was also an avenue for local entrepreneurs to network and find potential business partners.

"I attend these kinds of seminars because they help make our business sustainable," explained Noblezada. "Because we are now in the new age, catering to millennials and Gen Zs, we need to embrace innovation and digitalization. If we remain in our old ways of doing business, we cannot compete or sustain our business in the long-term."

Noblezada's passion for her cultural heritage coupled with her drive to adapt to modern business practices showcases how women entrepreneurs can uplift traditional livelihoods. By merging salt-making customs with contemporary tools, she ensures this legacy endures for generations to come. [END]