QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 382)
It is Executive Order No. 382, designated to be observed every 7th of November (specifically November 7, 2004 as the first observance under the EO).
The Department of Health (DOH), through the Secretary of Health, is designated as the lead agency.
The Secretary may call upon all government agencies for assistance in the implementation of the EO, and is tasked to formulate/disseminate guidelines, provide technical assistance to LGUs, conduct advocacy/social mobilization, provide logistics/promotional materials, and monitor local activities.
The DA must issue and disseminate a memorandum circular to DA offices involved in RA 8976 and RA 8172 implementation (e.g., NFA, Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and National Nutrition Council).
The DILG issues and disseminates a memorandum circular to local chief executives for efficient and effective nationwide observance of the Food Fortification Day.
DepEd must issue a memorandum circular to public and private primary and secondary schools to ensure that teachers and school health officials assist in promoting the day among students, parents, and the community.
DTI must issue a memorandum circular to field offices to ensure the availability of affordable fortified staples in the market nationwide.
DSWD must issue a memorandum circular to field offices and day care centers to participate in promotion and social mobilization to support Food Fortification Day.
Participation is encouraged rather than mandatory; the EO states NGOs, civil society, and the academe are encouraged to contribute through promotional campaigns and social mobilization.
LGUs are involved through the Council of the Leagues (barangay captains, councilors, mayors, governors), who are encouraged to help through promotional campaigns and mobilization of health personnel to monitor and report conduct of the event.
It cites RA 8172 (ASIN Law, 1995) and RA 8976 (Food Fortification Law, 2000).
Salt with iodine; rice with iron; flour with vitamin A and iron; oil with vitamin A; and sugar with vitamin A.
It identifies micronutrient deficiencies as a persistent public health problem with physical, mental, social, and economic consequences; it connects food fortification as a long-term, cost-effective solution, especially for vulnerable groups like mothers and young children.
It states that food fortification is a component of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act (RA 8980) aimed at enhancing the quality and extent of ECCD services through a comprehensive, sustainable, multi-sectoral inter-agency collaboration.
It emphasizes that under RA 7160, LGUs are responsible for implementing basic health services including promotion, regulation, and monitoring, with assistance from DOH and other national government agencies.
The EO states it shall take effect immediately.