24 October 2021, Cagayan de Oro City – To ensure that only adequately iodized salt reaches the households and to sustain the operationalization of the Saktong iodine sa Asin Campaign in the region, the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) X conducted the 2nd Semester Salt Monitoring at public markets in Iligan City, Tubod and Lala, Lanao del Norte last 20 -21 October 2021 respectively.
The team was composed of Ms. Telesfora G. Madelo, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV of the Department of Health Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao, PEMS Jerryfel Monsubre of Iligan City Police Station, Police Staff Sergeant Grace May O. Jove of Tubod Municipal Police Station (MPS), Police Master Sergeant Gelo Mio Geralla of Lala MPS and Nutrition Officers Arlie Joy O. Damiles and Liezel Joy D. Reyes of National Nutrition Council (NNC) X.
In Iligan City, the team was assisted by Sanitary Inspector Engr. Evan P. Lagura; Mr. Gregorio Vera Cruz and Mr. Lieghtton Marc J. Sidlao from the Environmental Sanitation Office, and Ms. Injelle May B. Baculio, Nutritionist Dietitian/City Nutrition Program Coordinator. On the other hand, all throughout the monitoring in the Province of Lanao del Norte, the team was joined by Provincial Sanitary Inspector Engr. George A. Demavivas. In Tubod, Municipal Administrator Margarito Bete, MT III Ms. Marivic Ditangon, Sanitary Inspectors Mr. Jonathan L. Sumala and Ms. Risa A. Sarsalejo joined the monitoring. While in Lala, the team was accompanied by Sanitary Inspectors Ms. Tessie M. Rodrigo and Ms. Prita H. Dominguez, and Market Administrator Mr. Guardalope Villondo.
The RBATF X collected a total of 32 salt samples in the major salt retailers/stores in the three (3) local government units (LGUs). Salt samples from Iligan City will be tested at the NNC X office since WYD iodate solutions were not available during the conduct of the monitoring; however, salt samples collected from Tubod and Lala, Lanao del Norte were tested for iodine levels afterwards since the Provincial Health Office offered their iodate solutions to be utilized for salt testing.
Among all the salt samples tested from establishments from both municipalities, only the samples from two (2) sari-sari stores in Tubod, Lanao del Norte were identified to be adequately iodized, compliant to Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) required standard of iodine content of 30-70 parts per million (ppm). Diamond Seal sticker certifying that the stores are selling adequately iodized salt was posted by the task force afterwards.
Based on the results of the monitoring, there is still a need to intensify the campaign on producing, selling and consuming adequately iodized salt, as well as its proper handling and storage.
RBATF X advocated the organization of the Local Bantay Asin Task Force to the three (3) LGUs to support the Food Fortification Program under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition. The task force also recommended the conduct of follow-up and regular monitoring and intensified promotion activities.
Streamlining the importance of adequately iodized salt at the local level will ensure that the households in Northern Mindanao only receive adequately iodized salt; thereby contributing to the elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) in the region. (NO I Liezel Joy D. Reyes)
