Five personnel from CSU and four private individuals from different regions were trained in beekeeping at DMMMSU-NARTDI Conference Hall in Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union, April 16 to 18, 2024.

The training titled “Beyond the Beehive: Comprehensive Training on Apis Mellifera Beekeeping for Beginners” is an offshoot of the strengthened partnership between DMMMSU and CSU, which was formalized in April 2024. CSU is geared toward advancing its beekeeping initiative and integrating it into a coffee production project on one of its campuses.

The three-day training immersed participants in theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on sessions covering various aspects of Apis mellifera beekeeping. Experts in beekeeping shared their knowledge and skills in the different aspects of beekeeping, such as bee biology, hive management, disease prevention and control, bee pasture and pollination, benefits & opportunities of beekeeping, and other topics crucial for beginners in the field. The interactive nature of the training fostered a dynamic learning environment, allowing participants to exchange ideas and gain confidence in beekeeping.

Resource Speaker Mr. Ison A. Calimpang, a faculty member of the College of Agriculture at DMMMSU, highlighted during his lecture the significance of beekeeping as a source of honey production and other products and as a means of promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health. “Through beekeeping, we contribute to pollination efforts crucial for agricultural productivity and environmental conservation,” he stated.

Also he also emphasized the inclusion of diverse plant species for the development of a bee pasture area where bees collect their food for growth and development. “An ideal pasture must be composed of different plants that bloom in different seasons of the year to have a continuous source of food for the bees,” he said.

The training concluded with a ceremony recognizing the dedication and achievement of the participants, who received certificates of completion. Moving forward, organizers expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of the training in empowering individuals to engage in sustainable beekeeping practices, thereby enhancing livelihood opportunities and caring for the environment. (By Arvin C. Tuyan)