June 26, 2018, Cagayan de Oro City - The Regional Nutrition Committee X approved the Strategic Plan 2019-2022 of Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) last June 19, 2018 during its 1st Semester Meeting.
A concerted effort of the RBATF since 2016, the strategic plan was formulated as a living document in the implementation of plans and activities towards the goal of achieving Universal Salt Iodization in Northern Mindanao. Based on the National Nutrition Survey in 2015, Northern Mindanao has existing pocket of iodine deficiency disorder. Survey shows that the proportion of median UIE <50 ug/L was ≥ 20%, even if the median is > 100 ug/L or with “mild” IDD. In Region 10, the median and prevalence of UIE <50 ug/L among 6 -12 years in 2013 are 121 ug/L and 23.6%, respectively. For pregnant women, only 58 ug/L median UIE and has 44.1% <50 ug/L as well as lactating women with 53 ug/L of median UIE and 48.7% <50 ug/L or with mild IDD.
As a sub-structure of the Regional Nutrition Committee through Resolution No. 1 s. 2016, RBATF shall act as the watchdog and first line of defense in ensuring that only adequately iodized salt will reach the households in Northern Mindanao. It has three (3) clusters namely: Technical Assistance Cluster is responsible for providing technical assistance as needed or requested by salt manufacturers or MSME/small scale producers as requested by LGUs, procurement and distribution of WYD iodine checker kits and reagents, among others;Regulation and Monitoring Cluster will do the routine updating of the database of licensed iodized salt manufacturers, importers and distributors and responsible for capacitating LGUs to implement ASIN Law; and the Promotion and Advocacy Cluster provides assistance in developing as well as review health promotion and communication plans of LGUs.
The members agencies and organizations under each cluster are:
Cluster 1 - Technical Assistance TWG:
- Department of Science and Technology (DOST) X
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) X
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) X
- Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office-10
- Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) X
- Sinaloc Association of Local Salt Producers
- Samson Salt Farm, Artemis Salt Corporation
- Salinas Food Corporation
Cluster 2 - Regulation and Monitoring TWG:
- Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) X
- Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) X
- Philippine National Police (PNP) X
- Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) X
- Maritime Police X
- Bureau of Customs (BOC) X.
Cluster 3 - Promotion and Advocacy TWG:
- Department of Health (DOH) X
- Philippine Information Agency (PIA) X
- Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) X
- Department of Education (DepEd) X
- All Provinces (Provincial Sanitary Inspectors)
Moreover, RBATF has monitoring mechanism to closely undertake the necessary actions from the Monitoring Points/Area of interest, frequency and the needed monitoring procedure with TWG in-charge given the specific timeline.
The region has been striving its effort to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorder by aiming its goal- that is to achieve Universal Salt Iodization in Northern Mindanao. (Liwayway S. Llorico)
