The Parañaque Local Government Unit reorganized their Local Bantay Asin Task Force (LBATF) to strengthen and monitor the implementation of the Salt Iodization Program in all 16 barangays of the city.

The inter-agency LBATF is composed of members from the following agencies: City Nutrition Office, Public Information Office, Consumer Welfare Office, Department of Interior and Local Government, Barangay Operations Office, Environment and Sanitary Services Division, EEMD, and Health and Promotion Division.

The LBATF monitors the supply and distribution of adequately iodized salt in the communities and regularly conducts information dissemination and advocacy campaigns. The city also purchased a WYD Iodine Checker Machine to be used in checking the adequacy of iodine of food grade salts being sold in the markets.

In addition, the LBATF conducts advocacy meetings with barangay officials and salt vendors. They also conduct lectures on the ASIN Law and the importance of salt iodization in combatting iodine deficiency disorder. They test the salt samples collected from the salt vendors using the WYD Iodine Checker machine to see if the iodine level of these samples is within the required level of 30-70 ppm. Salt samples found to be compliant should have the Saktong Iodine sa Asin Seal. 

The LBATF has already visited six (6) barangays. Results from the salt testing showed that 18 out of 41 salt samples collected from these barangays contain the required iodine level. The team recommends packing the salts in solid low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags and storing them in a dark place to prevent iodine loss from exposure to air and light. Distributors as well as consumers should ensure that salt products are properly stored to prevent iodine loss. 

Other activities conducted by the LBATF include the development and reproduction of IEC materials on ASIN Law, promotion on the importance of iodized salt through Pabasa sa Nutrisyon sessions, mothers’ classes and local media campaign. 

Aside from the organization of LBATF, the city government also issued an ordinance in support of the Republic Act 8172 “An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide and for Related Purposes”, or commonly called “ASIN LAW”. 

The City Ordinance No. 05-09 Series of 2005 “Regulating the Production, Disposition and Use of Salt in the City of Parañaque” requires all traders and distributors such as food outlets, supermarkets, groceries, stores, markets and talipapa to only sell iodized salt. Commercial establishments such as restaurant, hospital, caterer, canteen, carinderia are also required to use iodized salt in their meal preparation. The said ordinance is currently undergoing revision to include requirements for adequately iodized salt.

The LBATF will also conduct random checking among salt vendors, traders and distributors to determine if the salt being sold is iodized and if adequately iodized. Violators will be reported and will be given appropriate sanction stated in the city ordinance. (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)


Written by: Ms. Mary Dancille D. Villarey, Nutrition Officer II, Parañaque City

Ms. Villarey is a member of the Regional Nutrition Writers' Guild and City/District Nutrition Program Coordinators of Metro Manila Association, Inc.