The National Apiculture, Research, Training, and Development Institute (NARTDI) conducted a two-day training titled “Unlocking the Secrets of Asiatic Honeybee Ecology in the Tropical Monsoon: A Comprehensive Training Program,” held at the NARTDI conference hall in Sapilang, Bacnotan La Union on May 2-3, 2024.

The training aimed to enhance the capabilities of NARTDI personnel in beekeeping, exploring the management of other species of honeybees, particularly the Apis cerana.

The training was participated by selected personnel of NARTDI involved in apiary management and in research and extension activities.

Throughout the two-day activity, participants immersed themselves in comprehensive discussions and gained insights into the behavior, habitat preferences, re-hiving, and management of A.cerana. Practical sessions provided hands-on experience in hive management techniques tailored to the unique characteristics of bees, equipping participants with the skills needed to effectively care for and harness the potential of these honeybee species.

Speaking about the significance of the training, Dr. Joseph A. Panas, the Executive Director of NARTDI, emphasized the importance of understanding the behavior of other honeybee species, including their management techniques and strategies.

“NARTDI should not only focus on Apis mellifera or the cultured species because the institute’s goal is to develop and promote beekeeping, which includes different species of honeybees. This is also a good avenue for research as one of our mandates” he said.

The resource speaker, Mr. Lee S. Gaitana, a beekeeper from Batangas, selflessly shared his expertise in Apis Cerana Beekeeping.

The participants also extended their appreciation for the comprehensive and informative nature of the training, noting its relevance to their work and the practical insights they gained.

“The training provided us with a deeper understanding of the bees’ characteristics or behavior and the practical management strategies. We gained confidence that the newfound knowledge would greatly enhance our management initiatives for A. cerana and contribute significantly to our research and developmental activities,” remarked by some of the participants.

With the successful completion of the training, NARTDI reaffirms its commitment to advancing knowledge, capacity, and action in beekeeping and in apicultural research and extension. (By Arvin C. Tuyan)