House probe into coco farm infestation pushed

MANILA, Philippines - A party-list lawmaker is pushing for a congressional inquiry into the insect infestation of coconut trees in Southern Luzon, which he said could affect the P1.6-billion coconut industry in the country.

Rep. Angelo Palmones of the Agham party-list filed House Resolution 2112 calling on the House committee on agriculture and food to conduct the inquiry and come up with measures to address the problem.

Palmones expressed concern that the infestation could spread to other regions.

There are reports that insects have infested other palm species like palmera, Hawaiian palm and kaong.

Palmones also expressed concern that even ornamental and landscaping industries could be affected by the insect infestation.

Palmones said the insects suck the nutrients and sap of the coconut tree causing the leaves to turn brown then fall off.

“Infested trees lose productivity, thus reducing the number of nuts produced per tree,” he said.

Palmones said at least 43,389 coconut trees in seven municipalities and 41 barangays in Batangas alone were infested. Some coconut farms in Laguna and Quezon were also affected, he said.

“The coconut industry is one of the mainstay industries of the country, accounting for an export value of $1.6 billion in 2010. If the insect infestation is not addressed right away, productivity may suffer,” Palmones said.