The National Apiculture Research, Training, and Development Institute (NARTDI) and the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI) National Livestock Program (NLP) convened at the NARTDI Conference Hall in Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union on April 26, 2024 and via Zoom on May 2, 2024 to strategize the establishment of beekeeping nucleus farms as part of a national bee breeding program being initiated by NARTDI.
They deliberated on the important role of bee breeding in enhancing the country’s beekeeping industry, emphasizing the importance of developing resilient and high-yielding bee breeds tailored to local conditions. The discussions underscored the potential of such initiatives to boost honey production and contribute to environmental and agricultural productivity.
Present during the meeting include DA-BAI National Livestock Program (NLP) Deputy Director Dr. Alvin Paul J. Diran; and NARTDI headed by Executive Director Dr. Joseph A. Panas; Ms. Andrea Joyce Arbues, BAI-NLP Commodity Focal Person for Bee; Mr. George T. Bondot, NARTDI’s Division Chief for Research; Mr. Rowel M. Munar, NARTDI’s Division Chief for Planning and Resource Generation; and other staff from both agencies.
Also, during the meeting, Ms. Arbues presented the DA-BAI-NLP plans for the beekeeping industry, including the bee breeding project.
By fostering innovation and collaboration, stakeholders aim to create a thriving ecosystem where beekeeping generates economic opportunities. (By Arvin C. Tuyan)


