Coconut farm infestation can spread, lawmaker warns

MANILA, Philippines - Rep. Angelo Palmones of the party-list group Agham expressed alarm yesterday over the widespread insect infestation of coconut trees in Southern Luzon.

Palmones said the infestation could affect the coconut industry, Southern Tagalog and Bicol being one of the largest coconut-producing areas in the country.         

Palmones has filed Resolution 2112, which calls on the House committee on agriculture to conduct an inquiry to determine the extent of the infestation and recommend mitigating measures. The resolution was co-authored by Batangas Rep. Manuel Collantes.

The authors said they feared that the insect called “aspidiotus destructor” might spread to other coconut-producing regions, like Leyte and Samar.

Palmones cited reports that aside from coconut trees, some palm species like Palmera, Hawaiian Palm and kaong have also been infested, threatening other industries, including those in the landscaping business.

“There is a need to conduct surveillance on the extent of insect infestation of coconut trees throughout the country. There is a need to save the coconut industry, which has been providing livelihood to millions of Filipinos and boosting the country’s export earnings,” he said.

“The insects suck the nutrients and sap of the coconut tree, causing the leaves to turn brown and eventually fall off. Infested trees lose productivity and yield fewer nuts,” he said.

Citing reports he received from local officials, Palmones said several towns in Laguna, Batangas and Quezon have also reported incidence of infestation.

“The coconut sector is one of the country’s mainstay industries, accounting for an export revenue of $1.6 billion in 2010, and if the infestation is not addressed right away, productivity and export income may suffer,” he said.

Last year, after his visit to the United States, President Aquino reported that there were American businessmen interested in importing “buko juice” or coconut water from the country valued at more than $1.5 million a year.