On March 30, 2022, Members of the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Region VI conducted salt monitoring visits in San Lorenzo, Guimaras. The activity aims to determine the iodine content of the collected salt samples from the salt manufacturers, producers, and distributors. The team interviewed respondents at the salt beds production area and San Lorenzo's mini-market where Asin (salt) was produced and sold. The salt samples gathered by the team will be subject to laboratory testing at the DOST Laboratory for testing and analysis.

The RBATF members were welcomed by Dr. Sheila Gumabong, PHO I of Guimaras, and Provincial Administrator Joel Legita at the Provincial Government Center. Dr. Gumabong stated that they would want to resume the salt iodization campaign in Guimaras, as it has been a long time since the province has had any actions to promote salt iodization. During the immediate feedbacking attended by the MHO of San Lorenzo Dr. Sylvia Galiza and the Brgy. Captain of M. Chavez, specific action lines were also identified to promote further iodization in San Lorenzo, including the possibility of supporting the salt production and the group of salt producers. ND II Ms. Lovely Bargola of PHO Guimaras committed to communicate the feedback from the field visit to the PNC of Guimaras.

Following a feedback session with members from the Provincial Health Office, San Lorenzo Municipal Mayor's Office, and Municipal Rural Health Office, the team came to the following conclusions based on the Checklist and observations:

• Lacking ordinance/resolution supporting the strict implementation and enforcement of RA 8172.
• Absence of Local Bantay Asin Task Force (LBATF) in the municipality. Thus, no regular monitoring of LBATF.
• Low awareness of ASIN Law and the importance of consumption of Iodized Salt.
•  A misconception that using Iodized Salt is unhealthy. Thus, lack of information dissemination regarding salt iodization.
• The difficulty of harvesting salt during the rainy season.
• No presence of association to regulate buying and selling of salt production.

The Western Visayas Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (Western Visayas RBATF) requested the Municipal Health Office to ensure all salt producers, manufacturers, and distributors in the municipality follow proper handling and storage of iodized salt to preserve its iodine content.

The Food and Drug Administration, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, UPV-BIDANI, Department of Agrarian Reform, National Food Authority, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and National Nutrition Council are among the agencies represented on the inter-agency task force.

The RBATF will continuously monitor and ensure that all salts that are manufactured, produced, and sold in the Region were properly and iodized.