June 17, 2021 - The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force conducted a monitoring visit in Estancia, Iloilo particularly at the municipal market and other establishments that sell and use "asin" or salt. The team interviewed and collected salt samples from the distributors, sellers, and users as part of the monitoring activity. The collected salt samples will be endorsed to DOST Laboratory for testing and analysis. The team composed of NNC Region VI lead by RNPC Reginaldo Guillen with NOI Romela Dee Candoliza and NOI Roselle Eve Ferrer, partners from PNP Region VI lead by PLTCOL Cynthia Peña joined by PMAJ Katherine Gebusion, LT Ma. Roela Cadiz, PCpl John Jay Rome and partner from UPV-BIDANI, John Bert C. Tutisura. The team was assisted by SI Denia Sicad and MNAO Catalina Delos Santos during the meeting with the Market Administrator and interview with the target respondent. They had a brief courtesy call with Mayor Melina Requinto that is supportive of the activity, she committed to call a meeting with the salt wholesalers and retailers for a reorientation of ASIN Law and the National Salt Iodization Program. This is part of the RBATF annual activity to ensure that all salt manufacturers/producers adhere to RA 8172 or the ASIN Law, all salt should be iodized.

Before the monitoring activity, a meeting was conducted on June 16, 2021, attended by members of the RBATF to tackle important issues and concerns relative to the RBATF undertakings for 2021 particularly monitoring activities.

In the Region, RBATF leads the advocacy towards the full and effective implementation of Republic Act 8172 or ASIN Law which mandates the elimination of iodine deficiency disorder or IDD through a cost-effective preventive measure of salt ionization. This includes monitoring and reporting of the salt producers/manufacturers and other concerned agencies in its adherence to the ASIN Law.