03/02/2026
Goiter Awareness Week 2026: Use Iodized Salt to Prevent Goiter and Other Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs)
Goiter Awareness Week was observed every fourth week of January in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 1188 (December 11, 2006). The observance aimed to increase public awareness on goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders (IDDs), which remain preventable yet persistent public health concerns in the Philippines.
Iodine deficiency occurred when the body did not receive enough iodine, an essential micronutrient needed for the production of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism, energy production, and normal growth and development. Goiter was identified as the most common manifestation of iodine deficiency. Other iodine deficiency disorders included poor mental development, congenital and physical deformities such as deaf-mutism and squint (pagkaduling), mental retardation, as well as miscarriage and stillbirth during pregnancy.
Goiter and other IDDs were preventable through the consumption of iodine-rich foods such as fish, seaweeds, other seafood, dairy products, and eggs. However, the most cost-effective and sustainable strategy in preventing IDDs remained the regular use of iodized salt, as promoted in Kumainment #7: Gumamit ng Iodized Salt.
In support of Republic Act No. 8172, also known as the ASIN Law, the City Nutrition Office emphasized the importance of using iodized salt to address micronutrient deficiencies. The law required salt manufacturers to iodize the salt they produced and mandated food establishments to make only iodized salt available to consumers.
In line with the observance, the City Nutrition Office, led by City Nutrition Action Officer Engr. Emilma U. Pello, through CNPC Marietta DG Dogelio, encouraged the public to consume iodine-rich foods, use iodized salt with the Saktong Iodine Sa Asin (SISA) seal, and strengthen Barangay Asin Task Forces to ensure compliance with the ASIN Law.
As part of the advocacy activities, CNPC/IMO Marilyn Sena and Nutrition staff Irene Neulid conducted nutrition education classes and information campaigns in various barangays, including Barangay Maharlika West, Tolentino East, Maitim 2nd East, Barangay Kaybagal Central, Mendez Crossing East and Sungay East to effectively disseminate the benefits of using iodized salt and the health risks associated with iodine deficiency.
Preventing goiter was proven to be simple, affordable, and achievable. Through collective efforts, iodine deficiency disorders could be eliminated, leading to healthier and more productive Filipinos.
