Basilan at risk from cocolisap infestation

MANILA, Philippines – The P2.2-billion coconut industry of Basilan island is in danger as the province faces cocolisap infestation which is destroying over three million trees.

Insects called cocolisap have been pestering the coconut plantations of the island province since 2012, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said.

“The governor has expressed exasperation over the inability of the (previous) government to address a problem which threatens the livelihood of people in his province,” Piñol said.

While the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) remains under the helm of the Office of the President, Piñol said the Department of Agriculture (DA) would take necessary measures to address the problem in Basilan.

Livelihood projects will be provided to farms destroyed by cocolisap including rice, corn and vegetable seeds, livestock dispersal and grant of tractors to various farmer groups.

“I also pledged to provide poor fisherfolk families with 1,000 units of fiberglass fishing boats and the establishment of ice-making and cold storage facilities in fishing towns in the province,” Piñol said.

Loans through the Agricultural Credit and Policy Council will be granted, while scholarships for children of farmers and fisher folks will be offered in the Basilan State College.

As per the medium-term solution, there will be treatment of infected coconut trees using a PCA-recommended chemical solution to be introduced through trunk injection and root absorption.

“It will also include the protection of coconut trees which have not been affected by the cocolisap and the establishment of strict quarantine measures to prevent the spread of the infestation,” Piñol said.