TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN—– The Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) Region 02 conducted its 1st Quarter meeting last 21 March 2022 at Taj Hotel and Resto/Bar, Tuguegarao City.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Maria Gisela M. Lonzaga, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator- NNC R02, expressed her appreciation and warmly welcomed the members for the first face-to-face meeting of RBATF for 2022. She also acknowledged the presence of FDA represented by Mr. Gomel C. Gabuna, Director II-FDA North Luzon Cluster, and emphasized the importance of strengthened partnership of DOH, NNC and FDA in the implementation of RA 8172 in the region. She also acknowledged the personnel in the Bantay Asin Checkpoints who continuously rendered services despite the risks of contracting COVID-19.
“I am thankful that the checkpoints are very active in ensuring that only adequately iodized salt enters our region,” NPC Lonzaga shared.
Director Gabuna gave a brief orientation on RA 8172 or ASIN Law for the participants. He also emphasized roles and functions of each member agency that are part of Bantay Asin Task Force.
The meeting also tackled reports on the salt entry in both checkpoints and discussed issues and concerns of the members to strengthen the manning of both checkpoints.
Mr. Edzell Arcinue, Nutrition Officer III, presented the NNC CO memorandum dated 26 May 2021; Guidelines on the Local Level Salt Iodization Program Monitoring, Tools (checklist) for Salt Iodization Program Monitoring to be used by MBATF and Template ordinance on Strengthening ASIN Law and Organizing Local Bantay Asin Task Force.
Lastly, the group planned the 2022 Work Plan and agreed to develop manual of operations for Bantay Asisn checkpoint.
A total of 40 RBATF members were present during the 1st Quarter meeting. – John Nestor L. Ballad