The Provincial Bantay Asin Task Force (PBATF) Team, coordinated by Mr. Sergio Flores, PHO Sanitary Inspector IV, conducted a monitoring visit to the retail outlets in Malaybalay City Public Market in April 6, 2022.

The visit aimed to assess the compliance of local merchants with Republic Act 8172, also known as Asin Law, and increase the awareness of the public on the importance of using iodized salt in eliminating micronutrient malnutrition in the province.

Before the actual conduct of the iodized salt monitoring, the team first had a courtesy call with City Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran.

The team collected salt samples from the largest retail outlets in Malaybalay City Public Market and proceeded the conduct salt testing to quantify the levels of iodine in the samples. One (1) of the three (3) samples examined was found to be acceptably iodized. The team posted a sticker at the store certifying that it sells adequately iodized salt.

Throughout the monitoring, the team was accompanied by CHO Sanitary Inspector, Ned Melendez, CEEDMO staff, and City Nutrition Section staff.

Report by: Jezza Nina Marie Vega, NADA-CHO