Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute (DMMMSU-NARTDI), in partnership with different SUCs, is committed to building the capacity of community stakeholders in acquiring self-efficacy and empowerment, strengthening academic institutions in community outreach and extension activities, and encouraging partnership between and among academic institutions. The main goal of this partnership is to optimize the contribution of academic institutions as key stakeholders in capacity-building and livelihood development programs leading to institutional and economic productivity.
As an offshoot of this partnership, DMMMSU-NARTDI recently conducted Specialized Training on Beekeeping: Geared towards Stronger Collaboration and Community Development at the NARTDI Conference Hall on March 12-15, 2024, and equipped 11 participants from its different partner SUCs. This training aimed to capacitate the selected personnel of each partner institution.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Angelina T. Gonzales, Vice President for Research, Development, and Innovation of DMMMSU, underscored the significance of cooperation in advancing beekeeping initiatives.
“In an era marked by environmental challenges and declining bee populations, it is imperative that we unite our efforts in safeguarding these vital insects. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we can address pressing issues and propel the beekeeping industry forward,” remarked Dr. Gonzales.
After the opening activity, the training commenced an interactive session on the “A” to “Z” of keeping and caring for honeybees covering different topics on the Life of the Honeybees, Beekeeping Tools and Equipment, Beehive Construction, Hive Management, Pests and Diseases Management, Development of Bee Pasture Area, Honeybee Products Processing and Utilization, and Economics of Beekeeping. Also, the participants gained practical experiences through hands-on activities and visits to successful beekeepers.
During the closing program, the participants shared their impressions toward the training. “This training is excellent,” remarked Ms. Cristy F. Owanes, a representative from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP).
“Sana marami pang matrain para mapalago ang apiculture in the country,” she said.
Mr. Laurence G. Almoguera, a participant from Don Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Masbate State University (DEBESMSU), also thanked DMMMSU-NARTDI.
“Thank you for sharing your expertise. All you know about apiculture ay ibinigay ninyo. We hope we can apply these learnings in our areas. We will keep in touch with DMMMSU-NARTDI to promote beekeeping in MASBATE”, he stated.
On behalf of the trainees from Apayao State College (ASC), Ms. Leilani A. Parugrug also extended thanks to the training provider. “Thank you for this opportunity. Questions in our mind were answered,” she said. “We will continue collaborating for the success of apiculture,” she added.
In her closing statement, Professor Emerita D. Galiste, Director for Extension of DMMMSU, congratulated the training providers, especially the participants, for the successful conduct of the training.
“I hope that this training is not an expense but an investment. I also hope that this will not only be our first and last meeting but also the start of our continuous collaboration to make apiculture a profitable business. Let us adopt the quality of the bees. They do have no sorrow; every morning, they hum for success,” she remarked.
The participants returned to their respective institutions armed with newfound expertise. (By Arvin C. Tuyan)