Philippine Department of Agriculture Expands Beekeeping Program for Export Opportunities

MAMBURAO: The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines is set to replicate a successful beekeeping program across the nation this year, aiming to boost livelihoods through honey production and meet the growing international demand. Initially, the program was launched in Mamburao to assist the local Mangyan tribesmen in generating income and introducing them to modern business practices.

According to Philippines News Agency, the pilot program’s positive outcomes have encouraged the department to scale up the initiative. The goal is to produce quality honey for the export market while continuing community-based beekeeping operations. In pursuit of this, the DA has collaborated with the University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) to develop a roadmap for commercial-scale honey production, maintaining a focus on local community involvement.

Savellano emphasized the high-value nature of honey and its significant export potential. He noted that small-scale industries alone cannot meet the global demand in terms of quantity and quality without organized government support. The program aims to structure the beekeeping industry at a national level to harness this potential. The United Kingdom (UK) has been identified as a key export destination, with the British royals themselves being notable importers of Philippine honey.

The DA official also highlighted honey’s versatility, being a key ingredient in products like antibacterial soaps, massage oils, lip balm, and organic shampoo, all of which have a high market value internationally. Savellano revealed that funding options for the expanded beekeeping program are being explored through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Additionally, the national program will encourage the cultivation of native honey bee species, which are more resilient and would contribute to their preservation.

Furthermore, the DA plans to establish an accreditation system for local beekeepers to combat the rampant black market for queen bees. The lack of previous government intervention has led to significant issues, including queen bee smuggling, which Savellano notes has been detrimental to the local industry.