Butuan City- In a recently conducted Regional Nutrition Committee Meeting, the body passed and approved reorganization and operationalization of the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) in Caraga region during its blended meeting on 9 December 2021 at Watergate Hotel, Butuan City.

RA 8172 otherwise known as “An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide and for Related Purposes”, or commonly called “ASIN Law” seeks to contribute to the elimination of micronutrient deficiencies in the country, particularly the iodine deficiency disorders, through the cost-effective preventive measure of salt iodization.

Specifically, during the discussion, Nutrition Officer Aldrin S. Atienza shared the functions of the team: (1) manage and coordinate the National Salt Iodization Program (NSIP) in the region through the formulation of Annual Salt Iodization (NSIP) Operational Plan; (2) organize Provincial Bantay Asin Task Force and coordinate with stakeholders particularly salt re-packers and traders; (3) advocate the effective implementation of ASIN Law including full support from stakeholders and the community; (4) monitor and evaluate program implementation through meetings for update and to discuss and address implementation problems and issues, visit warehouse of salt distributors and monitoring salt in ports; and; (5) recommend to the Regional Nutrition Committee, National Salt Iodization Program-related regional policies.

The task force identified twenty-one (21) partner agencies who will help in the monitoring and do advocacy activities to implement the law. 

The resolution also seeks for the local government units to create a similar team and conduct activities appropriate to their level. #ASAtienza/NASlabordo