Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 382)
The Department of Health, through the Secretary of Health, is designated as the lead agency for the implementation of National Food Fortification Day.
The Department of Health is responsible for formulating and disseminating guidelines and procedures for the implementation of the order, providing technical assistance to local government units, conducting advocacy and social mobilization activities, providing logistics and promotional materials, and monitoring activities at the local level.
The ASIN Law (RA 8172) mandates the fortification of salt with iodine, and the Food Fortification Law (RA 8976) mandates the fortification of rice with iron, flour with vitamin A and iron, oil with vitamin A, and sugar with vitamin A.
November 7 is designated as the National Food Fortification Day to promote awareness and implementation of food fortification initiatives nationwide.
LGUs, through their councils of leagues (Barangay Captains, Councilors, Mayors, Governors), are encouraged to support the observance of National Food Fortification Day by promoting campaigns, mobilizing health personnel to monitor and report on activities within their jurisdictions.
The Department of Agriculture must issue and disseminate appropriate memorandum circulars to its offices involved in the implementation of RA 8976 and RA 8172, including the National Food Authority, Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and National Nutrition Council.
The Department of Education must issue memorandum circulars to all public and private primary and secondary schools to encourage teachers and school health officials to assist in promoting the National Food Fortification Day among students, parents, and the community.
The Department of Trade and Industry is tasked with ensuring the availability of affordable fortified food staples in the market nationwide by issuing appropriate memorandum circulars to all its field offices.
Non-government organizations, members of the civil society, and the academe are encouraged to contribute to the success of National Food Fortification Day through promotional campaigns, social mobilization, and other appropriate means.