THE Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is conducting a massive pruning of coconut trees infested with the dreadful coconut scale insects also known as cocolisap in Zamboanga City.
Provincial Coconut Development manager Efren Carba, head of the PCA in the city, together with City Agriculturist Dr. Diosdado Palacat met with Acting Mayor Cesar Iturralde in City Hall to discuss about the pruning activity that started on Monday, August 14.
Carba said the pruning activity will cover about 735,000 coconut trees infested with cocolisap in 70 villages as of 3rd week of July.
In pruning, the coconut leaves infested with cocolisap will be cut to reduce the pest density at the top of the tree.
The PCA intends to finish the pruning activity in 60 days, but if it can entice more pruners in the villages then pruning will be completed earlier than 60 days.
Carba said pruners are paid P10 per tree. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)