CamSur still Cocolisap-free

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NAGA CITY — After the cocolisap scare in the province of Quezon, a Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) official here expressed strong resolve not to allow the coconut scale insect to gain grounds in the Bicol soil through the formation of a taskforce to particularly focus on the matter.

PCA Bicol Regional Manager III Mateo B. Zipagan initiated the organization of a Provincial Taskforce on Coconut Scale insect (COCOLISAP) , in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur headed by Governor Miguel “Migz” Villafuerte and invited representatives from the media, private and government agencies to be a part of the newly-formed taskforce.

“The creation of the Provincial Taskforce on COCOLISAP composed of different line agencies and local government units endeavors to protect, preserve and continuously develop the coconut industry in Camarines Sur. We intend to keep the region, cocolisap- free and equip our planters with the correct know-how on how we can avoid this menace,” Zipagan added.

He said the task force will perform various functions from quarantine checkpoint, regular checking of coconut crops for the presence of cocolisap and widening their information dissemination campaign to inform the community of the dangers of cocolisap and how to avoid the said pest.

Members of the taskforce include the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Maging ang Department of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), non-Government Organizations, Local Government Units (LGUs), media group and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as information arm.

Zipagan said that Bicol remains free from cocolisap infestation. This, he said is a good news but everyone should help to secure the entry points so as not to allow infected-coco seedlings from entering the perimeters of Bicol.

The creation of the Task Force is in support of Executive Order No. 169 series of 2014 or an act that establishes emergency measures to control and manage the spread of damage caused by infestation.- LSMacatangay