Efforts are underway to establish and develop a native bee farm for a Dumagat tribe in Mauban, Quezon, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has disclosed.
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña reported that 50 bee colonies have been distributed to Samahan ng Unkomot ni Terang para sa Agrikultura, Sining at Pangingisda (SANUNITE AGSIPA), a group of Dumagat tribe living in Barangay Cagsiay III in Mauban, Quezon.
The distribution of bee colonies was made possible through the efforts of DOST-Calabarzon and the Quezon Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC).
“The assistance is part of DOST-Calabarzon’s package of S&T interventions to establish and develop a native bee farm for Dumagat in Mauban, Quezon,” he said.
He said the members of the group underwent a refresher course on the proper and productive bee farming. The course was conducted by Dr. Peejay De Castro, a bee farming expert.
De la Peña said the DOST-Calabarzon will also extend more technical assistance to the tribal community to help improve their socio-economic condition.
“The DOST-Calabarzon will also provide a honey presser/extractor and a 500-watt hybrid off-grid solar power system for the processing of honey to increase livelihood opportunities in the community,” he said.