EIGHT experts from La Union-based Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute (DMMMSU-Nartdi) lent their expertise as resource speakers during the three-day basic training on beekeeping.

According to Maricon Viduya, DMMMSU Strategic Communications director, the training was conducted at the Bacnotan Farmers' Agri-Tourism Center in Barangay Baroro, Bacnotan, La Union from March 20 to 22, 2024.

Viduya said the training was facilitated by the Office Municipal Agriculturist of the municipality of Bacnotan headed by its Municipal Agriculture Officer Divina Gracia Apigp and aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and empowering local farmers.

She said nine selected farmers from Bacnotan and a staff of the local government unit (LGU) completed the training on beekeeping covering various aspects including bee biology, hive management, colony health, honeybee product processing and the importance of bees in pollination and ecosystem.

Viduya said the collaboration "underscores the importance of knowledge sharing and capacity building in fostering resilient farming communities."

"By empowering farmers with the necessary skills and expertise, initiatives like basic beekeeping training contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector and pave the way for sustainable livelihoods," she added.

Meanwhile, the Nartdi-Gender and Development Unit organized a two-day training titled "Capability Training on Beekeeping" at the NARTDI Conference room in Sitio Sapilang in Bacnotan on March 25 and 26, 2024.

She said the event which was in support of the celebration of National Women's Month was attended by different faculty members and non-teaching personnel from different colleges and institutes and other operating units in the DMMMSU North La Union Campus.

Viduya noted that most of the participants were newly hired faculty members and composed dominantly of women group whose training aims to capacitate personnel across all genders in envisioning real transformation in the beekeeping community.

"Women play a vital role in the beekeeping industry as they harness the possibility of improving various activities in beekeeping," she said, adding that the training is one way to persuade other faculty members and staff of DMMMSU to engage in possible research and extension collaboration to strengthen the apiculture industry.

Viduya added that the collaborative work of various experts and intelligent people with a shared passion for beekeeping will revolutionize the identity and uplift apiculture in the country.

She also noted that throughout the training, participants were exposed to and experienced the exquisiteness of the bees in the colonies and learned the various fundamental topics or activities delivered by NARTDI staff as they contributed to the success of beekeeping.