BAGUIO CITY(PIA)–The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Cordillera fortifies efforts to revitalize the salt iodization program to help address iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) in the region.
In a recent forum, the RBATF composed of line agencies and provincial local government units, identified measures to rejuvenate the salt iodization program in the region following reports on the inconsistent utilization of iodized salt in the households and business sector amidst the high prevalence of IDD.
Health authorities are recommending using iodized salt for food to help prevent IDD.
Republic Act 8172 or the Act of Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN Law) passed in 1995 promotes the use of iodized salt and requires all salt manufacturers to iodize the salts they produce and distribute.
Department of Health-CAR Local Health Support Division Chief Dr. Virginia Narciso said region is facing challenges on the use of iodized salt.t
“There is really a problem in the utilization of adequate iodized salt in the Cordillera Region, and one of the strategies now that is being implemented ay yung paggamit ng ating mga household sana ng asin na may iodized salt and based on the challenges on the national iodization program here in our region, ang isang concern natin dito ay we are not sure if all the households ay nakakaavail or nakakagamit ng adequate iodine content yung kanilang mga asin,” she said.
The task force identified measures to strengthen salt iodization in the region. Among the activities include the listing of salt entry points in the provinces, identifying major salt suppliers and warehouses, strengthening of local Bantay Asin task forces, procurement of WYD machines by the local government units, and trainings.
Department of Health-CAR Local Health Support Division Chief Dr. Virginia Narciso shares challenges faced by the region in its implementation of the ASIN Law, which mandates the iodization of salt in the business sector to ensure provision of adequate iodized salt in the households.
UNICEF Consultant Alexander Michael Palma gives updates on the New Salt Industry Revitalization Law and its impact on the mandatory salt iodization under the ASIN Law during the Cordillera Salt Iodization on May 8, 2024 in Baguio City.
During the said activity, the Department of Science and Technology-Industrial Technology Development Institute representatives presented operation and use, and calibration and maintenance of the WYD salt iodine checkers to ensure continuity of iodine checking in the provinces.
United Nations Children’s Fund Consultant Alexander Michael Palma also shared recent interventions made by the government and partners to bridge the gap on salt manufactures, processors, and distributors, and the existing provisions of the ASIN Law. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)
Members of the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force experience using the WYD Iodine Salt checkers. This machine is used to check on the iodine content of salts taken from various sources. With this, the local government units will be able to identify iodized salt sources for reference.
