12-13 July 2018, Misamis Occidental- The Regional and Provincial Bantay Asin Task Forces (R/PBATF) intensify promotion and advocacy in ensuring that only adequately iodized salt will reach the households through the conduct of regular salt monitoring. As part of this year's Nutrition Month Celebration, the Provincial Bantay Asin Task Force (PABTF) of Misamis Occidental led by Board Member and Provincial Nutrition Committee Vice-Chairperson Dr. Emmanuel M. Cale spearheaded the 2-day salt monitoring in the markets and big establishments in the province in coordination with the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF). The RBATF who joined the monitoring were: PO3 Syvels N. Ybañez (PNP X), PO3 Peter Paul A. Ngalew (PCG), Ma. Auralyn V. Macalisang (FDA X), Ms. Eden M. Yee (PPA) and Princess Christine D. Tababa (NNC X).
Monitoring took place at selected point of sales particularly markets and establishments in Oroquieta City, Municipalities of Calamba and Jimenez, Misamis Occidental.
The salt samples collected were immediately tested using the WYD checker. Out of 10 samples collected and tested, eight (8) samples passed with allowable iodine content ranging from 15 ppm and above.
One of Misamis Occidental PABTF’s next step is to pass an ordinance intensifying the distribution, retail, and use of iodized salt in the province providing penalties/sanctions for violation. The PABTF believes that cooperation and determination is important in achieving the goal of 100% iodized salt utilization, one of the province' actions to prevent IDD among Misamisnons.
The National Nutrition Survey of Food and Nutrition Research Institute (NNS-FNRI) of 2013 revealed that the Median UIE level of Misamis Occidental is 94 μg/L among 6-12 y/o children, an indicator of insufficient iodine intake per day and mild iodine deficiency disorder (IDD). It also shows that 26.4% or a total of 170 children (6-12 y/o) has <50μg/L of UIE (with moderate to severe IDD).
The said monitoring was video recorded and aired to three (3) cable stations in Misamis Occidental through Tingog Misamisnon Chanel and SNK-Misamisnon (Saktong Nutrisyon sa Katawhang Misamisnon) TV Program as part of their nutrition advocacy. (Princess Christine D. Tababa)
