The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in the Davao Region is exploring apiculture, or beekeeping, as a potential livelihood intervention for its assisted farmers, citing its income-generating potential, minimal land requirements, and contribution to crop pollination.
As part of this initiative, DA-SAAD conducted an orientation on Apiculture for its area coordinators and personnel from various units last June 15, 2026, to familiarize them with the fundamentals of beekeeping and its possible application in farming communities assisted by the program.
The orientation introduced participants to basic apiculture practices, honey production, and other bee-related products, as well as the role of bees in enhancing pollination and supporting agricultural productivity. Discussions also highlighted market opportunities associated with honey and other hive products that may provide farmers with additional sources of income.
Monday J. Aretaño, SAAD Operational Planning, Budgeting Monitoring and Evaluation (OPBME) Unit Lead, underscored the importance of exploring alternative enterprises that could complement existing livelihood projects among farmer associations.
“Nandito tayo ngayon to have this orientation para sa ating mga farmer associations, na pwedeng makapagbigay ng magandang oportunidad for them to farm and eventually increase their livelihood capacity,” Aretaño said.
Resource person Raye Angelo S. Dayot of the Livestock Program discussed the potential of apiculture as a complementary enterprise that can be integrated into existing farming systems.
“Dako ang potensyal sa apiculture isip dugang nga panginabuhian sa atong mga mag-uuma. Gawas sa produksyon sa dugos, makatabang usab kini sa pagpalambo sa pollination sa mga tanom nga mahimong mosangpot sa mas maayong ani. Ubos ra ang kinahanglan nga luna ug mahimo kini nga ipahiangay sa kasamtangang mga panginabuhian sa mga mag-uuma,” Dayot said.
According to the discussion, apiculture offers farmers an opportunity to diversify income sources while requiring relatively small production areas compared with other agricultural enterprises. In addition to honey production, beekeeping can support crop pollination, which may contribute to improved yields in crop-based farming systems.
The orientation forms part of DA-SAAD Davao’s continuing efforts to identify and assess agricultural enterprises that can expand livelihood opportunities for farmer-beneficiaries. By introducing program personnel to emerging technologies and enterprise options, the program aims to strengthen its capacity to recommend interventions that respond to the needs and resources of assisted communities. ###
