The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) – ARMM chaired by the Department of Health is committed in implementing the RA 8172, an Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN Law) and FDA circular 2015-005, “Guidelines on the use of Saktong Iodine sa Asin Quality Seal.”

The overview of Iodine Deficiency Disorder in the Philippines presented during the activity showed that there is a need to enhance the advocacy in the use of iodized salt. The National Salt Iodization Program (NSIP) and RA 8172 were also discussed to present the legal aspect in promoting the use of Iodized salt.

The orientation was very useful to correct the common misconception in the used of iodized salt. It educated the health workers of Upi, Maguindanao on the importance and benefits of using iodized salt.

The WYD Iodine checker did not function during the activity, resulting to the use of the rapid test kit. The salt sample turned to dark violet in color revealing it’s content of at least 15 ppm. The hands on session of the participants took place in different households to check the salt they are using.

Lots of misconceptions were encountered during salt testing. Some mothers said that they stopped using iodized salt because they believe that it could lead to dullness, slows down metabolism and can spoil foods. They also believe that only refined salt were iodized and rock salt were not.
Misconceptions were then corrected, the importance and benefits of using iodized salt that iodine were presented and explained that Iodized salt can help in mental development, preventing stillbirth and optimum metabolism.