By Asst. Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol, Jr.

Assoc. Prof. Ann Marie P. Alguidano, Outreach Coordinator of the CAS–Department of Chemistry, served as the resource person on the importance of iodized salt in the body for a selected Panay Iraynon-Bukidnon community.

Last November 21, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Ann Marie P. Alguidano, Outreach Coordinator and faculty member of the CAS–Department of Chemistry, served as a resource person to discuss the importance of iodine for the human body. She emphasized that iodine helps prevent conditions such as goiter, intellectual disability, and stunted growth, particularly among school-aged children and pregnant women. She also stressed that consuming iodized salt in appropriate amounts is essential for metabolism, maintaining a healthy heartbeat, and supporting thyroid hormone production.

This activity aligns with Republic Act No. 8172, known as the “Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN Law).” The law mandates that all producers, manufacturers, importers, traders, and distributors use iodized salt in food-grade salt products. Its main goal is to eradicate iodine deficiency disorders, a significant public health concern in the Philippines.

During the lecture forum, thirty-six (36) Panay Iraynon-Bukidnon children participated in the activity. Additionally, since October 2025, a total of two hundred eight (208) households in San Remigio, Antique, received 500 grams of iodized salt distributed by the University in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The University has consistently committed to addressing iodine deficiency in Indigenous Peoples’ communities, with hundreds of households across various Indigenous communities receiving iodized salt from the University since 2021. For this activity, the CAS–Department of Life Sciences sponsored the distribution of iodized salt.

This outreach initiative is part of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) ‘s 100-year celebration.