NAGA CITY, Nov. 25 (PIA)--- After the cocolisap scare in the province of Quezon, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) here in Bicol expressed its strong resolve not to allow the coconut scale insect to gain grounds in the Bicol soil.
PCA Bicol Regional Manager III Mateo B. Zipagan, expressed the agency’s tenacity to do all necessary action, 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.
In support of this campaign, PCA spearheaded the creation of 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 Task 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.
Camarines Sur Vice-Governor Fortunato Peña who represented Villafuerte during the said meeting stated that the provincial government will give its all-out support to help the coco-farmers in their plight against the coco scare. Peña asked the members of the taskforce to take by heart their responsibility and come up with strict interventions to stop the said insect from entering the province’s premises.
Aside from protecting the Bicol Defense line by conducting checkpoint quarantine, PCA has also deputized 52 personnel from their agency, LGUs and from Philippine National Police (PNP). All of them underwent a three-day seminar-training to o identify cocolisap-infected coconuts and assist in surveillance activities while ensuring that the region’s defense line is protected.
The municipalities of Del Gallego and Pasacao are now implementing quarantine checkpoint in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
Currently, Zipagan announced that Bicol has maintained zero-incidence when it comes to 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.
Camarines Sur -1 PCA Division Chief John I. Villareal said that early prevention is less expensive as compared to treatment and prevention once the scare is already in.
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.
The PCA endeavors to solicit the help of the local government units in strengthening these measures by actively participating in their programs and activities. They are also partnering with LGUs to help augment their needs for agricultural supply like equipment, pesticides and protection clothing and agricultural equipment like back pack sprayers and other paraphernalias.
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. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)