CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA--------Inspired by the recorded all time low violation report this 2020, the MBATF Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan and Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya vowed to have a stronger and stricter MBATF Checkpoint in 2021 as shared during the last quarter RBATF Meeting.

The COVID-19 pandemic did not hinder the efforts of Municipal Bantay Asin Checkpoint in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya and Santa Praxedes, Cagayan as they recorded an all-time low violation report.  In the annual report of Regional Bantay Asin Task Force Meeting, it was reported that out of the 726,184 kilograms of salt tested throughout the year only 280 kilograms were inadequately iodized in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya while out of 26, 741 kilograms inspected in Santa Praxedes, Cagayan a total of 12, 741kgs were inadequately iodized.  

Manning the checkpoint, 24/7 in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, Mr. Orlando Pichay, was very happy and inspired to share to the group the commitment of every member of the MBATF..

“This result will ensure the stronger and stricter and even more committed members of the checkpoint, this is a manifestation that we are on the track of ensuring that only adequately iodized salt will be present in the region,” he happily shared.

“This can be also attributed to the unending support of LGU Santa Fe and NNC Region 02 in provision of manpower, technical assistance and PPEs to our checkpoint officers on duty,” he added.

Last year, the MBATF Santa Fe recorded a total of 10,000-15,000 kgs of inadequately iodized salt compared to only 280 kilograms this year.

On the other hand, the MBATF Sta. Praxedes, which is currently undergoing reorganization of its members and officers, recorded violations with 12, 741 kilograms of inadequately iodized salt coming from the municipality of Pasuquin in Ilocos.

“The trend in the past year shows that most of the violations came from Ilocos particularly in Pasuquin,” shared by Ms. Aerphel Tauayan, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer-Sta Praxedes, Cagayan.

Ms. Maria Gisela Lonzaga, Nutrition Program Coordinator, ensured during the meeting that Region I is already at hand of the matter. She also shared to the group that NNC R02 will be monitoring any developments regarding the matter.

“I am grateful and happy with the continuous and active involvement of our Bantay Asin checkpoints in both areas. We will continue monitoring the action of Region I regarding our request particularly on the monitoring of not properly iodized salt ” NPC Lonzaga said.

RBATF 02 ensures to strengthen its salt monitoring activities in the region through the reorganized and strengthened Bantay Asin checkpoint in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya and establishment of Batay Asin checkpoint in Nagtipunan, Quirino. ###JNLB