‘Cocolisap’ victims ask gov’t for P25,000 cash aid
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A farmers’ group called out the government on Thursday for belittling the “cocolisap” pest infestation affecting some 3,600 coconut farmers nationwide and urged it to provide them with P25,000 each in financial assistance.
“More than 500,000 coconut trees are under attack, yet the government treats this as a minor issue. For farmers who depend entirely on coconut yields, this is a disaster and they have received little to no aid,” Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas chair Danilo Ramos said in a statement.
The coconut scale insect, or cocolisap (Aspidiotus destructor), is a species found in many tropical and subtropical countries that causes serious damage to coconut trees.
“Coconut farmers have been sounding the alarm since early 2024, especially in Zamboanga and Basilan, where infestations first spiked. Yet until today, they have received no direct compensation. This is a clear case of government neglect,” Ramos added.
Citing data from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), the farmers’ group said that around 516,000 coconut trees in the regions of Calabarzon, Bicol, Eastern and Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao have been affected by the infestation.
‘Manageable situation’
The infestation has resulted in an estimated loss of 14 million coconuts, or the equivalent to P280 million worth of damage, although the PCA believes the situation remains “manageable.”
According to Ramos, the P60 million allocated by the PCA to address the infestation was “grossly inadequate” given the scale of destruction.
He conceded that while certain interventions, such as the use of the parasitic wasp Comperiella calauanica, may help, these must be “complemented by urgent financial aid and compensation, input support, and long-term rehabilitation programs.”
Affected farmers, he said, should each receive immediate compensation of at least P25,000 to “cover yield loss and basic recovery needs.”
