Apiculture, emerging industry road-map presented
A road-map for the APICULTURE Industry, otherwise known as beekeeping, was presented by Dr. Apolonio Sito of the National Apiculture Research, Strategic & Development Institute (NARTDI) last Oct. 29 at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Pili, Camarines Sur. The industry road-map covers a five (5) year period (2013-17) with a total proposed budget of P500B.
The Apiculture Road-map Study is an implementation of Administrative Order of Sec. Prospero Alcala of the Dept. of Agriculture integrating beekeeping in the farming systems in our country. In keeping with its national mandate, NARTDI is spearheading the beekeeping information and education campaign in various regions of the country. Dr. Sito believes that beekeeping has a bright economic potential which may help uplift the income levels of farmers. Dr. Sito added that the Philippines have the technology and the needed manpower to make this “emerging industry” an economically stable and sustainable source of incomes for farmers. Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Pili, Camarines Sur is the Bicol regional beekeeping center for research, education, and information.
Dr. Lina Garan, Chief Executive Officer of Cagayan State University, one of the stakeholders who attended national consultation feels that the industry road-map needs to be more specific and aggressive in its promotion of apiculture. Dr. Garan also presented the results of their study-tour to various beekeeping farms in Manitoba, Canada last September.
On the other hand, Dr. Rose Anne Sambo of Sorsogon State College emphasized the value of beekeeping in promoting bio-diversity. She believes that apiculture will encourage farmers to practice environmentally safe farming systems because bees are sensitive to chemicals.
Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte of the 3rd District of Camarines Sur, Guest Speaker during the National Consultation, expressed his full support for the beekeeping industry of the Philippines. Himself an organic farmer advocate, Villafuerte promised to lobby with the Dept. of Agriculture, Senators, fellow Congressmen, and other national government agencies to support the budgetary requirements; which according to the industry road-map needs P100M for 2013 alone. This proposed budget will be divided to the following stakeholder state colleges and universities, namely: Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Cagayan State University (CSU), Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), and a cluster group composed of Isabela State University, Quirino/ASCOT. This proposed budget will strengthen the research and educational programs that will enhance this emerging industry within competitive international standards. (Press Release by: Sola Fide Media & Resource Center)