Soldiers have been tapped to join effort to address the problem of cocolisap infestation and other pests affecting crops in Sulu.
Malacañang has sent a high-level team to work with soldiers and local officials to assess coconut plantations in Kajatian in Indanan and Upper Tambaking in Maimbung.
The government has vowed to provide assistance in areas of de-infestation and crop pest control, crop management, technology transfer and agri-entrepreneurship for affected farmers.
“Soldiers are active partners of local residents in community livelihood programs. The collaboration of different agencies with soldiers in areas like Sulu is to ensure the safety of the technical team and provide mechanism for the safe and unimpeded transport of agri-products,” said Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.
Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol earlier ordered massive efforts be exerted to immediately contain the cocolisap infestation in Basilan, Sulu, Zamboanga Peninsula and Caraga region.
Basilan had already declared a state of calamity amid the ongoing military operations against the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and to save its P2.2-billion coconut industry, a primary livelihood source in the war-torn province.
Piñol said these insects could lead to the collapse of the coconut industry in the southern Philippines and worsen poverty in the farming sector.
Piñol said he issued a directive to DA regional officials to undertake massive efforts to support the Philippine Coconut Authority in containing the cocolisap infestation.
Initial PCA reports indicate that three million out of the estimated six million trees are affected by cocolisap infestation in Basilan and Zamboanga.
“Strengthening the agriculture and fishery programs in Sulu will greatly improve the lives of the people. It will have a direct impact on the peace and order situation as it will address one of the causes of criminality and insurgency,” Dela Vega added.