Philippine Statistical Office – Davao Occidental headed by Chief Statistical Specialist Jessie A. Madulin supports in observing the Goiter Awareness Week 2023 with the theme, “Leeg Kapain, Goiter Sugpuin: Isip ay Patalinuhin, Iodized Salt ay Gamitin.” With this, the office invited a representative from the Provincial Heath Office to conduct a lecture about Goiter on 26 January 2023 at 1:00 pm. The activity was attended by PSA Davao Occidental Employees.    
 

Michael Philip F. Cervantes, RN the representative sent by the PHO discussed the causes and risk factors of goiter one of this is iodine deficiency and a lack of dietary iodine. He also discussed what is iodine, he explains that human body cannot produced iodine so it must be consumed, it is added to some foods and also to salt. Some of the signs and symptoms of goiter was also presented during the lecture, the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The participants were also taught how to do a thyroid neck check in this part a video was also presented.    
 

On December 20, 1995 former president Fidel V. Ramos approved the R.A. 8172, Act for Salt Iodization Nationwide (ASIN LAW). The law requires the addition of iodine to salt intended for the animal and human consumption in order to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition in the country. The ASIN LAW was formulated to contribute in the country’s effort of eliminating micronutrient malnutrition, particularly the iodine deficiency disorders which is still a public health concern in the country.

On the later part of the lecture, RN Cervantes discussed the different treatment for goiter. He emphasizes that treatment for goiter depends on how large your thyroid has grown, the symptoms and what caused it. After the discussion there was an open forum, questions raised by the participants were addressed by the speaker.

After all the questions and clarifications, PSA-Davao Occidental presented a certificate of appreciation and a token of gratitude to our speaker Michael Philip F. Cervantes, RN after which a photo opportunity with the participants and the speaker occurred.