By SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
MANILA – The government is waging a war against invasive insects called Aspidiotus Rigidus that have infested coconut trees in CALABARZON and some areas in Mindanao.
President Benigno Aquino III has signed Executive Order No. 169 establishing emergency measures, including strict quarantine procedures, to control and treat the insect infestation of coconut trees before the vital industry is wiped out.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), a state agency that oversees the development of the coconut industry, has been tapped to lead the effort.
PCA is currently under the supervision of Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan.
Among the anti-pest emergency measures are biological and chemical treatment of sick coconut trees, declaration of infected areas to be under quarantine, and establishment of checkpoints and quarantine stations to prevent the transportation of untreated parts of coconut and host pants.
“This massive infestation poses a very serious threat to the coconut industry and to the livelihood of those who depend thereon,” the order read.
“If the spread of this invasive pest is not contained, it may wipe out the coconut industry not just in CALABARZON but eventually in the rest of the country,” it added.
At present, the Philippines is the top supplier of coconut products in the world, contributing $2 billion net foreign earnings.
The coconut industry provides livelihood to around 3.5 million farmers and serve as the economic backbone in 68 provinces.
The President authorized the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to deputize the PCA, the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest those caught violating the emergency and quarantine measures, including the confiscation of untreated parts of coconut and other plants.
His executive order also prohibited the transport of coconut products and other host plants from areas under quarantine.
Only the PCA has the authority to grant permits to transport coconut planting materials from any points of the country.
The same presidential order imposed certain administrative penalties on those violating the quarantine declaration.
The government can confiscate illegally transported materials of first-time offenders.
For the second offense, illegally transported materials will be confiscated and the violator will have to pay a fine of P1,000.
Penalty for the third and subsequent offenses include confiscation of illegally transported materials and payment of a P5,000 fine./PN
