Chemrez Technologies, Inc., a pioneer in green chemistry, expresses strong support for the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) recent approval of CropGuard, an organic spray oil solution developed to combat the Coconut Scale Insect (CSI), more commonly known as Cocolisap.
The PCA’s decision represents a major milestone in the country’s efforts to shift toward sustainable, eco-friendly agriculture, particularly in protecting the coconut industry—one of the most vital sectors in the Philippines’ agri-based economy¹.
“We commend the PCA for its bold, science-driven stance in support of organic and environmentally responsible farming practices,” said Dean A. Lao, Jr., President of Chemrez Technologies. “This decision underscores a strong commitment to protecting our farmers, our coconut heritage, and our future.”
Why This Matters: Coconut Farming in the Philippines
Coconut farming is a key livelihood for over 3.5 million Filipinos, many of whom live in rural and underserved communities. The Philippines is also one of the world’s largest exporters of coconut products—including virgin coconut oil, copra, and desiccated coconut.
However, this billion-peso industry remains vulnerable to pests, most notably the Cocolisap, a highly invasive insect that damages coconut trees by feeding on sap and disrupting the plant’s normal physiological functions. Left unmanaged, the pest can cause the premature death of trees, resulting in significant yield loss and economic hardship for farmers.
In 2014, the country saw a massive Cocolisap outbreak that affected over 2.4 million trees, mostly in CALABARZON. While the current infestation remains sporadic and manageable, according to PCA Administrator Dexter Buted¹, it has already impacted 516,962 trees across eight regions, resulting in the loss of an estimated 14 million coconuts—equivalent to roughly ₱280 million in damages¹.
Before the development of organic alternatives, the government and many farmers relied on trunk injection using synthetic insecticides, particularly neonicotinoids, as a reactive solution to CSI outbreaks. While this method was effective in quickly killing pests, it came with serious long-term risks:
• Tree damage caused by repeated injections
• Harm to beneficial insects such as pollinators and natural predators
• Residual chemicals in coconut products
• Loss of organic certification, which blocks access to high-value markets
For farmers who rely on organic certification for premium pricing and export opportunities, the use of synthetic pesticides is a major setback. It affects not just individual farms, but entire communities and cooperatives whose livelihoods are tied to the organic supply chain.
CropGuard, developed by Chemrez, offers a non-invasive, organic alternative that is safe, effective, and aligned with modern sustainable farming standards².
Made from natural ingredients, CropGuard works in multiple ways:
• Suffocation: It blocks the insect’s breathing pores, leading to death by suffocation.
• Dehydration: The oil weakens the insect, making it vulnerable to environmental factors such as heat and dryness.
• Egg Barrier: It creates a physical layer that kills eggs and prevents new infestations.
• Repellency: It discourages adult insects from feeding or laying eggs on treated surfaces.
Based on field trials conducted with UP Los Baños and the PCA², the recommended application is two sprays, 15 days apart. This approach helps control early infestations without the need for harsh chemicals or invasive techniques.
The inclusion of CropGuard in the PCA’s official Integrated Pest Management (IPM) framework¹ demonstrates institutional trust in the product’s safety and effectiveness.
This move not only addresses the current CSI outbreak but also sets a precedent for future pest management strategies that prioritize farmer safety, ecological balance, and economic sustainability.
The PCA has allocated ₱60 million this year specifically to combat CSI, part of a larger ₱94 million budget for coconut pest control¹. The endorsement of CropGuard enables these funds to be channeled toward organic, long-term solutions rather than short-term chemical fixes.
With global demand for organic and sustainably produced goods rising, the PCA’s decision to promote organic alternatives is also a strategic economic move¹. The Philippines is a top exporter of organic coconut products, and maintaining organic certifications is critical to staying competitive in this space.
By approving CropGuard¹, the government gives farmers the tools to:
• Stay compliant with organic certification bodies
• Access premium markets both locally and abroad
• Reduce reliance on imported chemical pesticides
• Support local innovation and manufacturing
This shift reinforces the Philippines’ reputation as a world leader in organic coconut farming.
Chemrez has long been at the forefront of green chemistry—developing sustainable solutions for agriculture, personal care, and other industries. With CropGuard, the company continues its mission to support Filipino farmers with science-based innovations that promote productivity without compromising the planet.
“CropGuard is more than a product—it’s a promise of a better, safer future for our coconut farmers,” Chemrez emphasized.
Through collaborations with research institutions, local communities, and government agencies, Chemrez remains committed to advancing agricultural innovation that benefits both people and the environment.
As CSI continues to pose a threat in some regions—aggravated by environmental stressors such as El Niño—the use of organic, scalable solutions like CropGuard² will play a crucial role in early intervention and long-term protection.
Farmers are encouraged to integrate CropGuard into their pest control routines, particularly for early-stage infestations, to avoid irreversible tree damage and safeguard their harvests.
PCA also continues to conduct training, monitoring, and education¹ to help communities adopt sustainable pest management practices, including leaf pruning, biocontrol agents, and transport checkpoints for planting materials.
The PCA’s approval of CropGuard¹ marks a turning point in how the country addresses agricultural pests. It signals not just a technical solution, but a broader commitment to empowering farmers, protecting ecosystems, and future-proofing one of the Philippines’ most valuable industries.
With innovation from companies like Chemrez and the support of agencies like the PCA, the future of coconut farming in the Philippines looks greener, safer, and more sustainable.
For farmers and agricultural cooperatives interested in sustainable crop solutions, Chemrez products, including CropGuard, are available online via Chemrez Official Lazada Store.
1. PCA approves organic cocolisap solution, Philippine Star, July 10, 2025. https://www.philstar.com/business/2025/07/10/2456764/pca-approves-chemrezs-organic-cocolisap-solution
2. PCA approves CropGuard, D&L Industries, July 9, 2025. https://dnl.com.ph/2025-07-09-pr-chemrez-lauds-pca-for-cropguard-approval/