CITY OF ILAGAN, ISABELA----- The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Region 02 conducted its 2nd quarter virtual meeting, s. 2021 through Zoom Virtual Platform last 25 June 2021 to discuss Food and Drug Administration (FDA) programs/projects and recommendations to strengthen the ASIN Law (RA 8172) implementation in the region, updates and status of Bantay Asin Checkpoints in Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya, and present their respective accomplishments.
In her opening remarks Ms. Maria Gisela M. Lonzaga, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator- NNC R02, acknowledged the presence of FDA represented by Mr. Gomel C. Gabuna, Director II-FDA North Luzon Cluster, and emphasized the importance of strengthened partnership of DOH, NNC and FDA in the implementation of RA 8172 in the region.
“The FDA, DOH and NNC have been long time partners and allies in the implementation of RA8172 in the region since its passage. With again the active participation of FDA in RBATF R02, I am very confident that we can now fully implement the regulatory part of RA 8172,” NPC Lonzaga shared.
NPC Lonzaga also presented the initiative of RBATF R02 in the implementation of RA 8172 in the region.
NO II Ballad shared the findings of the first quarter virtual monitoring visits conducted last 23 April 2021. He emphasized the continuous support of NNC R02 by providing face shield, face masks and alcohols to both of checkpoint areas. In addition, the agency provides office supplies to ensure that the monitoring records will be kept intact and updated.
The meeting also tackled about the updates on the salt entry in both checkpoints and discussed issues and concerns of the members to strengthen the manning of both checkpoints. It was agreed that a separate collaborative meeting between NNC, DOH, and FDA will be organized by FDA to further improve the system for Salt Monitoring in North Luzon Cluster, including Regions 1, 2, 3 and CAR.
A total of 20 RBATF members were present during the 2nd Quarter Virtual meeting. – John Nestor L. Ballad
