Bohol's Asin Tibuok inscribed on UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage

Bohol's traditional artisanal sea salt-making practice, known as Asin Tibuok, has been inscribed by UNESCO into its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

This UNESCO list acknowledges cultural practices that are at significant risk of disappearing.

Asin Tibuok is described by UNESCO as a unique sea salt from Bohol, characterized by its appearance of a white egg within a brown shell, produced through a meticulous and lengthy process.

The knowledge and skills involved in making Asin Tibuok are typically passed down through families via hands-on learning.

This tradition is integral to the daily lives, food customs, livelihoods, and community gatherings of the people in Bohol.

Asin tibuok was officially inscribed on Dec. 9 during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in New Delhi, India.

Asin tibuok is the first Philippine traditional food process to be included in a UNESCO ICH list.

Inclusion on the Urgent Safeguarding List is expected to facilitate international collaboration and provide support to aid in the survival of the Asin Tibuok tradition.