DMMMSU-National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute (DMMMSU-NARTDI) visited the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) on September 2-6, 2024, to discuss the University’s beekeeping project. This visit stemmed from the partnership between DMMMSU-NARTDI and USeP, sealed on January 16, 2024.

DMMMSU team comprised Dr. Joseph A. Panas, Dr. Venelyn L. Bersamira, Ms. Mishima P. Soliba, and Mr. Arvin C. Tuyan, Division Chief for Extension. They were welcomed by USeP’s University and Campus officials, namely Dr. Roger C. Montepio, Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (RDE); Dr. Shirley S. Villanueva, Chancellor of Tagum-Mabini Campus; Dr. Cecirly G. Puig, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Related Sciences (CARS); Dr. Cesar A. Limbaga Jr., Vice Chancellor of Tagum-Mabini Campus; Dr. Larry V. Aceres, Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Agriculture and Related Sciences; Ms. Cristy F. Owanes, Faculty Member of the Entomology Division; and other USeP officials and faculty members. They expressed optimism about the project’s future success through collaboration. Dr. Montepio also highlighted USeP’s commitment to institutionalizing beekeeping, enhancing community services, and fostering partnerships with other stakeholders.

Ms. Owanes presented USeP’s comprehensive proposal for its beekeeping project, emphasizing its objectives and potential impact on the university and the community.

Their discussions addressed various concerns, including sourcing bee colonies, the potential effects of agricultural chemical sprays on beekeeping, the availability of queen bees to sustain the project, and the need for advanced beekeeping training.

In response, Dr. Panas stressed the critical role of collaborative efforts and underscored the support that NARTDI could provide in addressing these challenges in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Dr. Limbaga expressed gratitude for the collective commitment to the success of the beekeeping project and emphasized the need to align administrative efforts, support sustainability initiatives, and harmonize faculty roles to ensure success.

Following the meeting, the NARTDI team conducted a site visit to the proposed locations at USeP to establish their apiary. The team visited some successful beekeepers across the Davao Region to explore partnership opportunities. Finally, the NARTDI team also visited Agusan Del Sur State College of Science and Technology (ASSCAT) in Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur, to evaluate potential sites for a beekeeping project in collaboration with the college. (By Arvin C. Tuyan)