DOH Lead Agency for National Food Fortification Day

The Executive Order recognizes that micronutrient deficiencies have persisted as a public health problem with adverse physical, mental, social, and economic consequences.
The order declares food fortification as a long-term solution and the most cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient malnutrition, especially among the most vulnerable population, particularly mothers and young children.
The order links food fortification to the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition as an impact program.
The order recognizes that food fortification supports the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act (RA 8980) through comprehensive, sustainable, multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration.
The order anchors national implementation support to the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160), under which LGUs implement basic health services with assistance from the Department of Health and other national agencies.

The Executive Order references RA 8172 (ASIN Law), which mandates compulsory fortification of salt with iodine.
The Executive Order references RA 8976 (Food Fortification Law), which mandates compulsory fortification of:
- rice with iron,
- flour with vitamin A and iron,
- oil with vitamin A, and
- sugar with vitamin A.
The Executive Order recognizes that the food industry supports implementation by ensuring availability and affordability of fortified food products nationwide.

Section 1 designates the Department of Health, through the Secretary of Health, as the lead agency for the nationwide observance of the National Food Fortification Day.
The Secretary of Health is empowered to call upon all government agencies for assistance in implementing the Executive Order.
The Department of Health must formulate and disseminate guidelines and procedures for implementation of the Executive Order.
The Department of Health must provide technical assistance to LGUs.
The Department of Health must conduct national and regional advocacy and social mobilization activities.
The Department of Health must provide needed logistics and promotional materials in a timely manner.
The Department of Health must monitor all activities at the local levels.

Section 2 requires the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Secretary, to issue and disseminate memorandum circulars to all DA offices involved in implementing RA 8976 and RA 8172.
The DA memorandum circulars must cover involved DA entities, including the National Food Authority, Coconut Authority, Sugar Regulatory Administration, and the National Nutrition Council.
Section 3 requires the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), through the Secretary, to issue and disseminate memorandum circulars to all local chief executives for efficient and effective nationwide observance of the National Food Fortification Day.
Section 4 requires the Department of Education (DepEd), through the Secretary, to issue memorandum circulars to all public and private primary and secondary schools.
DepEd must ensure that teachers and school health officials assist in promoting the National Food Fortification Day among:
- the school population,
- parents, and
- the community as a whole.

Section 5 requires the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through the Secretary, to issue memorandum circulars to all field offices to ensure the availability of affordable fortified staples in the market nationwide.
Section 6 requires the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Secretary, to issue memorandum circulars to all field offices and day care centers.
DSWD participation must support the National Food Fortification Day through:
- promotion and social mobilization, and
- other appropriate means.

Section 7 encourages non-government organizations, members of civil society, and the academe to contribute to the success of the National Food Fortification Day.
The encouraged contributions include promotional campaigns, social mobilization, and other appropriate means.

Section 8 encourages LGUs, through the Council of Leagues (including Barangay Captain, Councilors, Mayors, Governors), to contribute to the success of the observance.
The encouraged LGU contributions include promotional campaign and mobilization of health personnel to monitor the event.
LGUs are directed to submit reports on the conduct of the event in their areas of jurisdiction through their health personnel monitoring.

The Executive Order expressly identifies the following agencies to issue memorandum circulars or provide operational support: DA, DILG, DepEd, DTI, and DSWD, under their respective Secretaries.
The lead agency Department of Health issues guidelines and procedures and provides technical assistance.
Memorandum circulars are required to be disseminated to target offices and stakeholders:
- DA involved offices,
- local chief executives,
- public and private schools,
- DTI field offices, and
- DSWD field offices and day care centers.

The Executive Order contains no provisions imposing penalties, fines, or sanctions for non-compliance.