Baguio City – With the intent to improve adequacy of iodization of salt consumed in the region, the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF)-CAR convened on June 16, 2021 via zoom to discuss and lay out their forthcoming plans and activities.
As presented by Ms. Candice Salingbay, ND IV of DOH-CAR during the meeting, 53% of the salt samples collected from the region in November 2020 had inadequate iodine contents, having iodine contents of only 14ppm and below. Thus, the body moved and approved motions that would address this inadequacy and to increase the current iodine contents of salt in the region to at least 15ppm.
As first step to the objective, the Provincial and City Nutrition Action Officers (P/CNAOs) were agreed to become members of the RBATF-CAR. Extended Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC) meetings to be joined by the P/CNAOs were planned to regularly dovetail RBATF updates.
Furthermore, the Department of Health (DOH)-CAR proposed that they include in their Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) the procurement of WYD Machines to be donated to LGUs for monitoring of the salts consumed in their respective areas. DOH-CAR will also extend their support to the ongoing re-iodization of salt in Benguet and Baguio City.
The RBATF will likewise coordinate with the IDEA Team of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to assess Salt Iodization Plants in the region for them to suggest maintenance procedures to avoid rusting brought about by iodine. DOST-CAR also informed the body about the launched Salt Iodization Plant in Pudtol, Apayao in March 2020. This breakthrough with DOST’s assistance was then approved to be benchmarked for possible implementation to the other provinces of CAR.
Moreover, the body moved and approved to strengthen the Bantay Asin checkpoints at main entry points, require re-packers of iodized salt to acquire license, and coordinate with RBATF Region 1 to pursue linkage in making sure that the salt coming from their area, entering CAR, are adequately iodized.
The RBATF-CAR looks forward that these interventions to combat inadequacy of iodization of salt in the region will yield positive outcomes especially to the growth and development of bodily functions of children.
/SBC/BMB/RDP/
