28/01/2026
๐ฅ๐ ๐ด๐ญ๐ณ๐ฎ: ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฎ ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ก๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
by CMU BSND OJT Rafael Sumaya
Republic Act No. 8172 or An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide is the program that seeks to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs). Salt is widely consumed by virtually all population groups in all countries, with little seasonal variation in consumption patterns, and salt intake tends to be proportional to energy intake/requirements. Through fortification, iodized salt remains to be the cheapest, safest, most effective, and long-term solution to manage IDD.
It is estimated that 1.88 billion people worldwide are at risk of insufficient iodine intake and approximately one-third of the worldโs population lives in areas with some iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency can cause general functional health and reproductive impairment, as well as learning disabilities in children; severe iodine deficiency can cause stunting, goiter and irreversible brain damage in the fetus and infant and re****ed psychomotor development in children.
Moreover, the program address cretinism and goiter, along with the stillbirths and spontaneous abortion. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all food-grade salt used in households and food processing should be fortified with iodine as a safe and effective strategy for the prevention and control of IDD.
With the Department of Health (DOH) as the lead implementer of this act together with the other national government agencies (NGAs), such as Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and National Nutrition Council (NNC) mandated to monitor and regulate salt producers, ensure compliance and inform the public about the importance of using the iodized salt.
These roles are reflected on the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF), where it leads in the salt monitoring in the region. LGUs must also check and monitor the quality of food-grade salt being sold in their markets and retail stores to ensure its iodization through their LBATF and regular conduct of monitoring activities.
Households are encouraged to consume foods rich in iodine. Seafoods and dairy (dilis, tamban, seaweed, shellfish and crabs) provides high amount of iodine. Incorporation of these foods meets the daily recommended intake of iodine.
Challenges still remain with the overall implementation of this act. This calls for strengthened implementation of RA 8172 at the local level, particularly on the monitoring and advocacy to major distributors, retailers and households. When we use iodize salt, we conform to the law and protect the health of our family and community.
RA 8172 calls for cost-effective measure of eliminating IDDs, promoting the overall health especially the mother and children. By using iodize salt and iodine-rich foods, we are able to combat cretinism and goiter, leading to a more productive and efficient individuals in the country. (CMU BSND Intern Rafael T. Sumaya/nnc_x@yahoo.com/ 09631090198).
References:
Department of Health (DOH). (2016). Republic Act No. 8172 โ ASIN Law. Retrieved from https://doh.gov.ph
National Nutrition Council (NNC). (2022). The Role of Iodized Salt in Preventing Iodine Deficiency Disorders. Retrieved from https://www.nnc.gov.ph
UNICEF Philippines. (2021). Salt Iodization in the Philippines: Progress and Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/philippines
World Health Organization (WHO). (2007). Assessment of Iodine Deficiency Disorders and Monitoring Their Elimination: A Guide for Programme Managers. Geneva: WHO Press. Retrieved from https://www.who.int
