Photo during the 1st Regional Bantay Asin Task Force Meeting, series 2020 via Zoom (left); Saktong Iodine sa Asin (SISA) logo (right)
QUEZON CITY, 11 November - NNC CaLaBaRZon recently conducted a virtual meeting for the 1st Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Series 2020 to map out its National Salt iodization Program (NSIP) for 2021. This ongoing collaboration with various agencies, and the consolidation and restructuring of capacity building to meet salt iodization standards are expected to increase the consumption of high quality salt in every household in the region.
In the meeting headed by Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Carina Z. Santiago, the RBATF member agencies vowed to support the following activities 1) The reactivation/revitalization of the group by ensuring the attendance of the other members during meetings such as the PNP Community Relations Office, and others; 2) Strengthen the promotion/advocacy campaign for use of iodized salt and to correct misconceptions through the production of fliers and through social media; 3) Continue with the testing of salt samples from markets with the help of FDA (for validation) and DOST for the supply of the reagents; and 4) Request DOST to provide names of cooperatives issued with Quality Assurance/Quality Control Training Certificates.
In attendance were representatives from the following agencies: Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine National Police (PNP) – Maritime Group and NNC.
The meeting started with a “Kahoot Quiz” consisting of nine (9) questions to determine the level of knowledge of the members pertaining to the NSIP and other basic information on iodine deficiency disorders. Answers were discussed with the group and eventually moved into the review of the agenda.
The task force initially discussed the reorganization of the team to continuously monitor and regulate the salt iodization in the region and implement the RA 8172 or known as “ASIN Law” within Region IV-A. Ms. Alistaire Matocinos, the focal person of RBATF Calabarzon, discussed the NSIP, the ASIN Law in the Philippines, and the results of testing of iodine content of sample salt collected from various parts of the region.
It was noted by the group that many of the salt samples tested were not compliant to the standard of the DOH (for adequately iodized salt which is 30-70 ppm). It was further noted that the method of taking samples as well as the packaging, storage, labeling, etc. might have also affected the results.
Thus, it was agreed that FDA will provide the RBATF members with an orientation on the proper way of taking of salt samples. It was further agreed that a re-testing of salt samples be done by the FDA for validation.
By: Darrenz William M. Mateos
