By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1188 signed on December 11, 2016, Goiter Awareness Week is observed every fourth week of January. This year's theme "Goiter Sugpuin, isip Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt Gamitin" aims to highlight the vital role of iodized salt in preventing thyroid disorders such as goiter.

The lack of iodine in the body may result to Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD) that has different signs and symptoms. Pregnant mothers who lack iodine in their body may experience miscarriage or give birth to a stillborn baby. Adults with iodine deficiency may encounter lethargy, lack of mental alertness, obesity, dry hair and goiter.

Goiter is a health condition that involves the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This causes the formation of a lump in the front of the neck. Most goiters produce no symptoms, but when symptoms occur, the following are the most common; Tightness in the throat, cough and hoarseness and trouble in swallowing.

Goiter can be caused by a number of different conditions like Iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease (Grave's disease) and hyperthyroidism as well as smoking and hormonal changes.

Most simple goiters are preventable through adequate intake of iodine, which is added to table salt and also found in foods like tuna, shrimp, seaweed, cheese and cow's milk.

The National Nutrition Council encourages Filipinos to use iodized salt, as stated in Kumainment number 7 "Gumamit ng iodized salt." Moreover, the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Region 6 enjoins the public to know the ill-effects of iodine deficiency.//NJE