Bees sustain farmers, consumers and the future

Amid the rolling landscapes of La Union, a golden treasure can be found – the National Apiculture Research and Development Institute (NARTDI), established through Republic Act 9151 on Aug. 10, 2001. NARTDI, hived in the heart of Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), has become the country’s hub of innovation and discovery in the world of apiculture, or what most of us know as beekeeping.

During my visit to the DMMMSU Bacnotan bee yard, I observed how European (Apis mellifera) and local bees produce honey. I also learned the basics of tending a beehive to keep the colony healthy, productive and safe throughout the year.

Yes, I only went near the stingless variety (local honeybees) and brought home a bottle of pure honey, priced at P300 per 300 grams, to add to my coffee.

Scientific research and innovation

Over the years, the NARTDI has established itself as a national institute dedicated to scientific excellence and innovation. Its multidisciplinary research encompasses the entire spectrum of apicultural science, including bee botany, pollination processes, hive management, pest and disease control, product processing, equipment design and socio-economic studies.

Its research studies cover the spectrum of pollination efficiency, control of varroa mites and other predators, hive architecture, queen bee performance, supplemental feeding and product quality assessment.

These studies are converted into practical knowledge and shared through training programs for beekeepers nationwide. NARTDI is the guardian of the country’s bee diversity, studying both native and introduced species that are vital to pollination and biodiversity. The institute ensures that local beekeepers benefit from the best available management practices.

Cutting edge technology and helping communities

NARTDI also stands at the forefront of technology generation and the creation of value-added products. Among its many innovations are honey vinegar, honey wine, propolis tincture, honey-based soap, honey ice cream and other bee-derived goods – proof that apiculture can be as entrepreneurial as it is scientific.

Through practical application of NARTDI’s research findings and the development of new technologies, the institute has transformed beekeeping from a niche activity into a dependable source of income and empowerment. Its outreach effectively combines hands-on training with technical advice, enabling participants to incorporate beekeeping into agribusiness ventures and sustainable livelihood programs nationwide.

Last year, DMMMSU established an apiculture demonstration apiary in its South La Union campus in Rosario to support the offering of apiculture as an elective in its agriculture degree programs.

NARTDI offers a variety of training programs, including basic beekeeping, management of honeybee pests and diseases, queen rearing, bee product development and hands-on beekeeping to enhance local skills. Since its founding, the institute has conducted 161 training sessions, reaching over 2,200 participants across farming, agribusiness, education, government and private companies.

Interested groups can visit the institute or enroll in these training programs by contacting NARTDI training coordinator Precious Alcantara ([email protected]). You can also purchase bottles of certified pure honey on their campus.

Through these extensive training and extension programs, NARTDI has made apiculture accessible to farmers, students, entrepreneurs, women’s cooperatives, local government units, national government agencies and state colleges and universities nationwide. Regular participants in the training have become key advocates for apiculture within their communities.

These extension programs have broadened the reach of beekeeping technology across the archipelago. In many provinces, former NARTDI trainees now run successful apiaries, producing honey not only for sale but also to support their own sustainability.

Filipino beekeepers going global

Many trainees have taken their skills beyond the country’s borders, finding opportunities in beekeeping enterprises in New Zealand and Australia. Many are employed in the Canadian beekeeping industry, where Filipinos are recognized for their specialized skills and knowledge critical to managing apiary operations.

There is a high demand for beekeepers in Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba to support honey production. In Ontario and British Columbia, the need for pollination services arises for high-value crops such as hybrid canola and blueberries. Foreign workers from the Philippines and Central America make up about 50 percent of the employees in apiaries in Western Canada.

In opposition to efforts to reserve agricultural jobs for Canadians, the Alberta Beekeepers Commission argued that the extensive experience of foreign workers is essential for farm operations. “They work hard, they know what to do and they do the job like no one else could.”

These Filipinos play a vital role in the beekeeping industry, which is a key part of Canada’s agriculture, providing over $2 billion annually in crop pollination – far surpassing the value of honey production.

Impact on the environment

Bees are among the world’s most important pollinators, essential to food production and ecological balance. By promoting apiculture, the institute helps safeguard our forests, farms and fruit crops. In an age when bee populations are declining globally due to pesticide use and habitat loss, NARTDI’s efforts carry even greater weight. Every bee colony that NARTDI helps sustain contributes to a healthier, more resilient environment.

Ultimately, NARTDI’s story exemplifies how science, community and nature can converge to create a more sustainable and equitable future. As the bees of DMMMSU continue buzzing from flower to flower, they embody the spirit of the best public university in Northern Luzon, dedicated to progress, proving that even the smallest creatures can make the most significant difference.

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Email: [email protected]