16 March 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) X convened its first semester virtual meeting last 11 March 2021. The task force tackled the updates on the RBATF X Strategic Plan 2019-2022, draft promotional video on iodized salt, conduct of the 2021 first semester salt monitoring and activities of Salinas Foods, Inc. for 2021.

National Nutrition Council X Nutrition Program Coordinator Gladys Mae S. Fernandez presided the meeting on behalf of the Department of Health Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao (DOH CHD-NM) OIC-Director IV and RBATF X Chairperson, Dr. Ellenietta HMV N. Gamolo. In attendance were 25 representatives from member agencies and local government units (LGUs).

The group first discussed the updates on the RBATF X Strategic Plan 2019-2022. NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles highlighted the updated roles and functions of each member agency based on the new inputs from the members. Initial discussion and updating of the plan were conducted last 22 October 2020 during the second semester meeting of the task force. Before ending the discussion of the agendum, the body unanimously approved the updated strategic plan.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the presentation of the draft promotional video on iodized salt presented by Information Officer II Jasper Marie O. Rucat of Philippine Information Agency (PIA) X. The video aims to promote the consumption of iodized salt at the household level and correct misconceptions on the use of iodized salt. RBATF X members gave their inputs and comments to further improve the draft video. Once the final video is approved, it will be disseminated region-wide, exhausting all media networks and partners.

The task force also agreed on the schedule of the 2021 first semester salt monitoring to be held in March and October. NO II Damiles presented the target areas to be monitored. The priority are the public markets in the cities of Oroquieta and Ozamiz for Misamis Occidental and cities of Malaybalay and Valencia for Bukidnon Province. PIA 10, DOH CHD-NM, Philippine National Police (PNP) 10 and Salinas Foods, Inc. committed to join the said monitoring activity.

Proceeding with the meeting, Ms. Eleamarie Aquino of Salinas Foods, Inc. shared their activities highlighting the company’s advocacy on the use of iodized salt and support to the Republic Act No. 8172 or ASIN Law and Republic Act No. 10611 known as Food Safety Act of 2013. Moreover, Salinas Foods, Inc. shared the launching of the “Saktong Iodine! Ligtas na Asin! Mas Malinis! Mas Maputi! FIDEL ang gamitin! (SL4MF Program)” with the theme “Bawal na ang Takal.” SL4MF Program is a booth activation to all public markets nationwide campaigning for the use of safe iodized salt. Ms. Aquino added that in Region 10, they have conducted booth activation at the cities of Malaybalay, Valencia and Cagayan de Oro City.

Lastly, NNC X gave a heads up to the task force members the 2021 Nutrition Month theme, “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 days tutukan!”. The theme calls for the continuation and scaling up of efforts to promote the First 1000 Days of life and its role in preventing and addressing child malnutrition. The Secretariat invited the agencies to join in the campaign to advocate the First 1000 Days.

The RBATF X member agencies continually show their support and commitment to ensure that only adequately iodized salt will reach the households in Northern Mindanao. (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles)