KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) – The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) in Soccsksargen, in collaboration with the Provincial Bantay Asin Task Force of South Cotabato, conducted a comprehensive monitoring of local salt distributors’ compliance with the ASIN Law in the city.
The initiative, which aimed to assess salt manufacturer’s compliance with Republic Act 8172, commonly known as the ASIN, or an Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide Law, took place across various supermarkets and sari-sari stores in Koronadal City.
Nutrition Officer Annalita Mae V. Flores of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in Region 12 highlighted the importance of public awareness regarding the health benefits of iodized salt.
“Kailangan natin yong iodine, so isa sa pinaka-source natin na pinopromote ng NNC ang salt. Kaya kailangan we observe the consumption of iodized salt,” Flores emphasized.
(We need iodine, so salt is one of our most important sources promoted by the NNC. So we need to observe the consumption of iodized salt.)
The RBATF monitoring team led by the NNC conducted random sampling of iodized salt available in the market.
The samples will undergo accurate testing to verify iodine levels, ensuring they meet the regulatory standards.
RA 8172 underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health through nutritional fortification and addressing micronutrient malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women and children.
Aside from the fact that iodized salt is vital for public health, Flores further encouraged the salt retailers in the region to collaborate with authorities in eliminating non-compliant salt from the market.
“Para maging kabahagi sila sa adbokasiya natin for the consumption of iodized salt, kailangan siguro maging keen din tayo, titingnan din natin yong products na binibenta natin particularly the salt,” she added.
(For them to be part of our advocacy in the consumption of iodized salt, we need to be keen, we will also look at the products we sell, particularly the salt.)
Meanwhile, Janice Tabuada, a store owner at Koronadal City Public Market explained why she exclusively sells iodized salt in her store.
“’Yung iodized ‘yun po ‘yung ginagamit natin kasi para rin naman sa health po natin ‘yun,” Tabuada stated.
(The iodized is the one we use because it’s also for our health.)
She also emphasized her commitment to consumers in maintaining good quality and cleanliness in the salt she sells.
Tabuada further noted how salt is a fast-moving item in her store, with one sack usually selling out within just three days.
“Para po sa mga mamimili, kailangan po nilang piliin ang iodized salt kasi po ang iodized salt, tayo po ay nakasisiguro na magiging mabuti at maayos ang ating kalusugan po,” she explained.
(For consumers, they need to choose iodized salt because with iodized salt, we can ensure that our health will be good and healthy.)
To ensure effective implementation of RA 8172 at the local level, the task force employs a comprehensive approach that includes checklist-guided interviews, records reviews, site visits, report submissions, and interagency meetings.
In addition to compliance monitoring, it is also dedicated to raising public awareness about the health benefits of iodized salt which is one of the basic commodities in the market. (CRM – PIA Region 12)
