The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has ramped up interventions to combat sporadic cases of Coconut Scale Insect (CSI) infestations, assuring stakeholders that the situation remains "manageable" and poses no nationwide threat to the industry.

During a press briefing on June 11, PCA Administrator and CEO, Dr. Dexter R. Buted reported that 516,962 coconut trees across eight regions, including CALABARZON, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and BARMM, have been affected by CSI, a pest that drains nutrients from leaves, weakening or killing trees. However, this figure represents just 0.15% of the country’s 345 million coconut trees, a sharp decline from the 2.4 million cases recorded in 2014.

The Authority’s key mitigation measures include:

• Rapid Response Teams: PCA deployed field personnel to prune infested leaves and conduct ground assessments in hotspots.
• Biological Controls: Collaboration with UP Los Baños and DOST-PCARRD has enabled the release of natural predators like Comperiella calauanica, proven effective in curbing CSI spread.
• Farmer Training: Workshops with the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) teach early detection and integrated pest management.

To date, 355,859 trees have been treated. "This is not an epidemic, but PCA is treating it with urgency," the PCA chief emphasized, citing checkpoint quarantines and regional bio-control labs as additional safeguards.

PCA underscored its continuous coordination with local government units, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to ensure the safety, stability, and vitality of the Philippine coconut sector.