Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute (DMMMSU-NARTDI), headed by Executive Director Dr. Joseph A. Panas, has taken a significant step towards enhancing apiculture practices in Abra province through a strategic collaboration with the Abra State Institute of Science and Technology (ASIST) based at Lagangilang, Abra on June 13, 2024. 

The group was warmly welcomed by ASIST President, Dr. Gregorio T. Turqueza Jr., during a courtesy call at his office. 

The primary focus of the visit was to discuss the establishment of ASIST as one of the provincial apiculture centers in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). 

During the meeting, Dr. Panas emphasized the importance of creating an apiculture hub in Abra, which will serve as a model for sustainable beekeeping practices and contribute to local agricultural development in the province. Dr. Turqueza expressed his keenness to partner with DMMMSU-NARTDI, highlighting the potential benefits for both the institution and the community. 

One of the key highlights of the discussion with President Turqueza was the attendance of ASIST personnel in basic beekeeping training at NARTDI. These individuals will be responsible for managing the demonstration apiary to be set up at ASIST, ensuring the growth and development of their project and for the transfer of knowledge and skills to the local community. The president committed three personnel to attend the training on July 3-5, 2024.

Following the productive meeting, the NARTDI team visited the ASIST Research office where they met Dr. Pablo B. Bose Jr., Director for Research and Development and his Deputy Director, Dr. Nero M. Paderes. 

Dr. Bose and Dr. Paderes also voiced out their willingness to collaborate with DMMMSU-NARTDI to improve their beekeeping operation and expressed their interest to implement Apis mellifera beekeeping at ASIST. The two directors showed their existing “melliponiary” or stingless bee yard and shared their experience in their operation. 

“We encountered some problems like bee predators and bee poisoning”, Dr. Paderes said. “However, despite these challenges, we have already harvested honey from our bees at a maximum of 1 liter per colony” he added.

From the bee yard, Dr. Talugay G. Patagao, Faculty and Dean of the College of Agriculture of ASIST, accompanied the NARTDI team to the proposed site for the establishment of their apiary for A. mellifera to conduct an assessment. Dr. Panas and his team evaluated the area to be potential for beekeeping and the selected site is well suited to put up their apiary.

This collaboration signifies a promising development for beekeeping in Abra province.

(By Arvin C. Tuyan)