The Association of Local Salt Producers of Barangay Sinaloc, El Salvador City was recently organized in an effort of the City Nutrition Office to help fight iodine deficiency disorder and ensure compliance to the provisions of RA 8172 or the Asin Law.

The formal organization was done during the assembly of the 33 local salt producers of Barangay Sinaloc convened by the City Nutrition Office last January 29.  Facilitated by City Nutrition Action Officer Elma M. Clapano, the assembly aimed at increasing the awareness of the local salt producers on the Asin Law and orient the local salt producers on their role in the implementation of the law and in the Saktong Iodine sa Asin campaign. Both the law and the campaign advocates for the proper iodization of salt for human and animal consumption.

An election of the association officers highlighted the assembly. Mr. Felix Amilao was elected President while the other elected officers include Rolando Avila, Vice-President; Gerly Oblimar, Secretary; Bonifacia Maglangit, Treasurer; Edwin Samijon and Mr. Alain Bayer, Public Information Officers.

The Association agreed to contribute to the utilization of adequately iodized salt by ensuring that the salt they produce and distribute is adequately iodized. In partnership with the City Nutrition Office, the Region X Bantay Asin Task Force is set to undertake a Forum on Saktong Iodine sa Asin in March to find out ways how the Association can be assisted as an active partner in the fight against iodine deficiency disorder in the region and the country.  Assistance to local salt producers is one of the strategic actions identified in the National Salt Iodization Program. hga