Baguio City- The National Nutrition Council Region 02, through the support and sponsorship of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition Philippines Inc. Led a seminar-workshop for the members of the Region 02 ASIN Task Force. The Seminar-workshop was a jointly executed activity by Nutrition Proram Coordinator for Region 02 Rhodora G. Maestre, and the Assistant Consultant of GAIN Philippines Inc. Mr Edward Otico. Together, they opened the activity presenting the potential of Cagayan Valley to successfully implement the use of WYD Iodine checkers; a device that measures the level of iodine in salt far more accurately than the rapid test kits customarily used. They expressed confidence that Region 02, who currently outperforms other regions in salt iodization implementation, is capable of making Region 02 a 100% iodized area. NPC Maestre also emphasized that despite the relative edge the Region has as compared to the rest, much of the Region still remains vulnerable to use of uniodized and inadequately iodized salt.Also, the ASIN checkpoints in various salt entry points in the Region where subjected to a reactivation
since some have ceased to operate after some problems arose.

The ASIN Task Force also had workshops wherein current and potential problems were identified, as well as their corresponding solutions provided. The committee also conducted a review on the memorandum of understanding drafted by the NNC to polish the provisions and clauses introduced, not to mention, that the Task Force also laid out standard operating procedures for ASIN checkpoints in order to further complement with the ASIN Law. Mr. Otico also reassured that the local government of priority areas for ASIN checkpoints shall be provided with WYD iodine checkers and their necessary reagents.

The participating members, comprising representatives embodying their respective Local Chief Executives from the different municipalities (Sta. Fe and Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya; Tuguegarao City and Sta. Praxedes, Cagayan) and provinces (Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya) across the Region. Likewise, representatives from the Regional Line agencies (DA, DTI, DOH, CHD-FDA, BFAR, PNP Region 02) also arrived to express support and provide inputs on the matter discussed during the activity