The Regional and Local Bantay Asin Task Forces (R/LBATF) in NCR had a meeting last Friday, January 20, at Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. The task forces met to discuss the Accomplishments in 2022 and plans to improve Salt Iodization Program in 2023. The R/LBATFs work for the strict implementation of the Republic Act 8172 or ASIN Law in the region.

During the meeting, the members of the LBATFs shared the activities they have conducted such as regular meetings, promotion and advocacy, and passage of local ordinance/resolution on Salt Iodization Program (SIP) implementation, among others. In 2022, more LGUs conducted monitoring of iodized salt in food establishments, sari-sari stores, markets, etc.  using the WYD machine.

It was shared at the meeting that in support of the SIP, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto issued City Ordinance No. 54, Series of 2022. In this ordinance, all sari-sari stores earning not more than P250,000 annually will be entitled for a tax-free special permit or business permit if they present their sanitary and health certificates and proof of selling food items with a Sangkap Pinoy Seal, including iodized salt.  

In 2022, two (2) meetings were conducted by the R/LBATF to provide members updates on the program and monitor and discuss issues on SIP implementation. The members also used their agency’s website and Facebook pages to promote the iodized salt. Two (2) warehouses of iodized salt were visited for monitoring by selected members of the RBATF.

NPC Federizo shared and discussed the iodine status of selected population groups, and iodine content of household salt in the Philippines. The results were based on the Expanded National Nutrition Survey in 2018-2019 conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FNRI-DOST).

In her message, she enjoined everyone to continue the promotion of using iodized salt. The R/LBATFs were enjoined to intensify the monitoring of compliance of salt manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors to ASIN Law, to ensure that only iodized salt are sold in markets and sari-sari stores, and used by households and food establishments.  

Written by: NO III Emerenciana L. Francia and NPC Milagros Elisa V. Federizo