Which memorandum order provides the basis for the need for a food fortification program in the Philippines?

The basis for the need for a food fortification program in the Philippines is established through DILG Memorandum Order No. 2018-0102. This memorandum outlines the government's commitment to address nutritional deficiencies prevalent among various populations in the country. It highlights the importance of enhancing food quality through fortification, which aims to improve public health and combat malnutrition by ensuring that staple foods are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals.

Food fortification is a public health strategy intended to provide necessary nutrients to a wide segment of the population, particularly to vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women. The 2018 memorandum specifically identifies the need for collaboration among local government units and health agencies to implement these nutritional interventions effectively. This initiative is rooted in addressing critical health issues linked to micronutrient deficiencies, making it a vital part of the country's health policies.

Other options might reference various administrative orders that deal with related topics, but they do not specifically articulate the foundational rationale for establishing a food fortification program in the same manner as the 2018 memorandum. Each of those orders could pertain to different aspects of local governance or public health initiatives, but they do not encapsulate the same focus on food fortification as a necessary measure for public health improvement.