On March 31, 2020, the National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute (NARTDI) of DMMMSU delivered 260 bottles of liquid hand soap with honey and propolis to the Local Government Unit of Bacnotan, La Union. This activity is part of the University’s “DMMMSU para sa Elyu” program, which aims to help frontliners in La Union.
Amid this pandemic, there is dearth of various products specifically hand soap and sanitizers highly needed by everyone especially the health care practitioners and other frontliners who are braving to work outside their homes to help prevent the spread of the deadly COVID-19.
NARTDI being the country’s premier institution leading in the development of the apiculture industry and promoting the use of honey, initiated the immediate production of honeybee products-based liquid hand soap out of available Institute stocks; hence, they were able to produce 120 bottles (1li/bot) of liquid hand soap with honey and 160 bottles (260ml/bot) of liquid hand soap with propolis, respectively.
Through the NARTDI Bee Product Development Unit, the bottles of soap were delivered by the Institute staff to the LGU Bacnotan and were received by the Mayor’s representatives and those in-charge in arranging hygiene packs for various manpower sectors of the Municipality who are highly exposed to the virus. This effort is to augment the sanitation supplies of the town and to protect the lives of fellows in Bacnotan.
Honey also known as the liquid gold and food for the Gods, is one of the Seven Health Secrets from the Hive, and is the primary product of honeybees. It has unique nutritional and medicinal properties and is an excellent moisturizer. Apart from its use in improving health and nutrition, ancient practices and modern studies prove its value in healing wounds, fighting viruses and bacteria, and acting as protective barrier that prevents infection. On the other hand, propolis is another miracle hive product also called as the bee glue. For centuries now, it is being utilized in the fields of cosmetics and medicine because of its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
During trying times like this, NARTDI joins the nation in its fight against COVID-19. (RMPajarillo)
