IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF THE SALT IODIZATION LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES
The study re-examines the implementation of Republic Act No. 8172 or An Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN) and its impact on salt producers or farmers. It presents the case of five salt-producing local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines. These LGUs are engaged in the production of “balara” (solar salt) which is not required to be iodized under the ASIN Law. Nevertheless, local officials and pertinent government agencies monitor the supply of commercial salt in their market to determine whether it is compliant with the required iodization content. The law needs to be strengthened not only to ensure strict compliance to salt iodization but to provide the necessary support to the local salt industry.
Salt Industry, Salt Iodization, ASIN Law.