TUGUEGARAO CITY – The National Salt Iodization Program-Technical Working Group (NSIP-TWG) members from the different national government and non-government agencies who came in Region 2 have lauded the efforts and best practices of the ASIN task force in maintaining iodized salt sold in the market.

National Nutrition Council Executive Director, Assistant Secretary Bernardita Flores, said Region 2 showed the best iodine situation in terms of median UIE levels for children 6-12 years old, pregnant and lactating women; and is among the top-ranking regions for the household utilization of iodized salt (percent of household salt positive for iodine based on RTK) based on results of the 2008 National Nutrition Survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute and one among regions that have maintained its programs toward ensuring iodized salt in the market up to the households.

“One of the reasons why the members of the committee came here is to see how Region 2 was able to implement the law and sustained its programs. Among regions, Region 2 has the most laudable program implementation which survived up to this time,” Flores said.

On the other hand, Patricio de Quiros, representative of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, one of the strengths of the region’s task force is the support of the local executives.

The region reported that governors have released executive orders mandating concerned authorities to ensure that all salt entering in the region are iodized. Other than these, massive information campaign on the effects of iodine deficiency and the benefits of using iodized salt in human health, establishment of checkpoints in entry and exit points, salt testing in the households and other various initiatives in different municipalities were also conducted.

“I will report to union this best practice in order to draw support to all LGUs to adopt the same effort as I can see its strong impact in attaining the thrust of salt iodization,” De Quiros stated.

On the part of the education department, Dr. Ma. Corazon Dumlao, said the best practices of region in educating the public and creating consciousness on the benefits of using iodized salt.

“Your information and education campaign can be replicated to other regions so that they will also create social awareness and consciousness on the effects of iodine deficiency and the benefits of iodized salt,” Dumlao said.

During the stay of the group in the region, they conducted on-the-spot inspections to the PNP checkpoints, public markets, groceries, food processing centers and households to test salts if these are iodized and interviewed individuals to determine their extent of awareness and knowledge on salt iodization program in this city and in Enrile town.

During the feedback, the group reported that most of the interviewed individuals are aware of salt iodization and its benefits to human health, and all salt tested here were positive of iodine content.