MAMBURAO, Occidental Mindoro – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to roll out a nationwide beekeeping initiative, following the success of a pilot program in Occidental Mindoro aimed at boosting honey production for both local livelihood and international markets.
DA Undersecretary Deogracias Victor Savellano, in a recent interview, shared that the initiative initially focused on empowering the local Mangyan tribes with income-generating skills and modern entrepreneurial knowledge through beekeeping. This program’s positive outcomes have now paved the way for its expansion across the country.
According to Savellano, the DA’s collaboration with the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) is key to achieving the ambitious goal of commercial-scale honey production while sustaining community-level beekeeping practices. A specialized team at UPLB is currently developing a strategic plan to tap into the international honey market.
Savellano highlighted the significant export potential of honey, a high-value agricultural product, emphasizing the need for a cohesive national strategy to meet global demand in both quantity and quality. The United Kingdom, known for its royal family’s fondness for premium honey, is among the potential export destinations.
The program’s expansion will also explore the use of honey in diverse products like antibacterial soaps, massage oils, lip balms, and organic shampoos, which are highly sought after in overseas markets.
Funding avenues for this expanded beekeeping initiative are currently being explored through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Savellano added. The national rollout will encourage the cultivation of native honey bee species, known for their resilience and ecological significance, thereby also contributing to their conservation.
Furthermore, the DA is preparing to introduce an accreditation system for local beekeepers to regulate and eliminate the black market for queen bees, which has been detrimental to the local industry.
This comprehensive approach aims not only to enhance the livelihoods of local communities but also to position the Philippines as a key player in the global honey market.
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