Nardti equips students for beekeeping
THE Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)based National Apiculture Research Training and Development Institute (Nartdi) trained 23 students from the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and two students from the Institute of Agri-Business Management on beekeeping.
Maricon Viduya, DMMMSU strategic communications director, said the training titled “Bridging the Gap: Beekeeping Training for Future Veterinarians” was held at the Narrdi Conference Hall in Barangay Sapilang in Bacnotan town, La Union, on April 11 and 12.
Viduya said the event aimed to foster interdisciplinary skills and promote sustainable beekeeping practices among the university’s CVM students.
Also during the event, Viduya said Joseph Panas, Nartdi executive director, highlighted “the increasing opportunity for students in the field of beekeeping.”
Panas also emphasized the significance of Department of Agriculture Administrative Order 14, Series of 2012, which directs the Bureau of Animal Industry to promote the development of the apiculture industry in collaboration with Nartdi and other beekeepers and industry stakeholders.
He said that the official control of bee diseases and other measures is under the Veterinary Authority.
In a brief message, Gregory Viste, a professor at the CVM, said that bees play a crucial role in pollination that is vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting agricultural productivity.
“By familiarizing our students with beekeeping practices, we are preparing them to address emerging challenges in agriculture and environmental conservation,” he added.
Viduya said the twoday training activity also featured a comprehensive curriculum designed to introduce the participants to the fundamentals of beekeeping.
Arvin Tuyan, DMMMSU-Nartdi Training and Technical Assistance Services coordinator, explained that beekeeping involves aspects of both animal husbandry and business management.
“By engaging in this beekeeping training, the veterinary students gained a deeper understanding of beekeeping, which will complement their veterinary education and prepare them to deal with issues related to bee health and management in their future careers,” said Tuyan, who is also in charge of queen rearing.
He added that agribusiness students learned about sustainable practices and the economics of beekeeping.