THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture XI will improve the apiculture/beekeeping industry to increase honey production in the country.
During the Agribiz forum at SM Lanang, DA XI farmer regional executive director Epifanio Loyola Jr. said the region currently faces the challenge of anemic production and a low population of honey bees.
The DA initiative to develop apiculture production will hopefully increase the population and boost the honey supply. Among the primary threats to honeybees are wild birds and agrochemicals or pesticides.
According to Loyola Jr., Davao del Norte has the most bee farms in Davao Region with more than 30. Region XI is also one of the highest honey producers in the Philippines due to the high pollination.
“Diri sa Region XI so far tibuok Pilipinas murag nag number 1 pa ta sa production sa honey tungod kay daghan tang native diri nga mga bees,” he said.
According to the OEC World website, the Philippines ranks the 139th largest exporter of honey in the world.
Loyola added the current heat weather also contributes to the blooming of the flowers for the bees to produce more honey. Bees also play an important role in the ecosystem as they carry pollen to fertilize plants.
“Karong panahona, happy ang mga beekeepers, happy pud ang mga bees. Ngano man? Tungod kay mostly naga bloom man gud na [flower]. Pero ang problem sa extreme na pud kaayo na init, apektohan pud sila kay gamay ra pud ang hectare,” he said.
To support the beekeeping industry and bee farmers, the World Bee Day Celebration event will be held at the Loyola Bee Farm in Panabo City this May 20 to showcase the bees and pure honey.
