Mandaue City - The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force 7 monitored the implementation of the salt iodization program in Central Visayas. The activity was held on 03 February 2023.

The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) 7 was formed to lead the advocacy towards the effective implementation of the Republic Act 8172 in Central Visayas. Ms. Girlie Vera Cruz – Libato of the University of San Carlos and Nutritionist Dietitian Association of the Phil. Cebu Chapter chairs the task force. RBATF 7 is tasked to formulate a Regional Salt Iodization Plan (SIP), and its operational plan, which is expected to cover the monitoring and the evaluation of the program in the region, coordinate and provide assistance among salt traders and manufacturers and formulate strategies which can effectively enhance public awareness on the use of quality iodized salt and proper storage of iodized salt in the different food service establishments, bakeries, and households in the region.

The monitoring team was led by RBATF 7 Chair Libato and was composed of member agencies of the task force. The team was divided into two groups. The first group visited the salt producers operating in Mandaue City including Bohol Lirio Trading Corporation and Arvin International Marketing, Inc. While the second group visited Barangay Subangdaku and look into the quality of salt in select a satellite market, sample sari-sari store, bakery, food service facility and households.

Republic Act 8172, An Act of Salt Iodization Nationwide which requires the addition of iodine to salt intended for the animal and human consumption in order to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition in the country. Iodine is an essential element for proper thyroid function. During pregnancy, iodine is important for the development of the baby’s brain. Iodine can be found in certain foods especially seafoods but not all people can consume their iodine requirement in their diet, thus a supplementation of iodine is needed.

Salt iodization is the addition of iodine to salt intended for human or animal consumption in accordance with specifications as to form, fortificant, method, manner and composition as may be prescribed by the Food and Drug Administration (formerly Bureau of Food and Drug).

The RBATF 7 is hopeful to strengthen the implementation of the National Salt Iodization Program in the region. // ND II Franz Cassandra R. Ontina, RND