RP urges Taiwan to allow entry of coco products

The Philippines is working with Taiwan on a temporary solution that would allow the entry of Philippine coconut products to Taiwan, according to Antonio Basilio, resident representative of the Manila Economic Cultural Office (MECO).

The export of Philippine coconut products to Taiwan was one of the "casualties" following the bilateral air dispute between the Philippines and Taiwan.

Taiwan has since refused to allow the importation of fresh coconut exports from the Philippines until a study is completed of government measures to control "cadang cadang" disease of coconuts.

Basilio said that the three-year study is almost completed and the Philippines has proposed to Taiwan that some importations be allowed based on the issuance of certification per coconut shipment that the products are "cadang-cadang" free.

The Philippines, Basilio said, has assured Taiwan that not all coconut plantations in the Philippines have been found to be infested with "cadang-cadang."

Thus, certain areas which are "cadang-cadang" free could be certified as disease free and exports of coconuts from those areas could be allowed to resume.

Basilio disclosed that Philippine coconut exports to Taiwan is valued at around $3 million to $4 million.

The Philippines has also signed a memorandum of understanding MOU on fisheries and agriculture cooperation that would help improve the technology to eradicate such pest and and would also help educate Filipinos on Taiwan’s health regulation.

Philippine exports of coconut to Taiwan was suspended way back in 1999.

The Philippines has already imposed sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to control the spread of the "cadang-cadang" disease which infests local coconut plantations.

Taiwan, unfortunately, does not seem satisfied with the measures implemented by the Philippines and continues to ban the importation of fresh Philippine coconuts.

As early as 2001, the Philippines had complied with the requirement set by the Taiwanese government for it to submit data on the extent of the cadang-cadang disease problem in the country.

In 2003, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) adopted and submitted to the Taiwanese government for evaluation protocols to control the spread of the "cadang-cadang" disease.

"Cadang-cadang" disease affects palm trees. It is caused by certain viroids.

Coconut-growing provinces in Luzon and Visayas are affected by the "cadang-cadang" disease in varying degrees.

Affected provinces are Masbate, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Quezon, Western and Northern Samar, and Biliran.

"Cadang cadang" is not harmful to humans and animals.