In a significant move to strengthen the local honey industry, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office I (DA-RFO I), through the National Livestock Program, officially awarded a financial support amounting to P1.5 Million to the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University – National Apiculture Research Training & Development Institute (DMMMSU-NARTDI) on January 21, 2026.

FOD Chief Ms. Analiza Ramos and Ms. Karen F. Paningbatan, Livestock Focal, led the awarding of checks, together with Agricultural Programs Coordinating Officer (APCO) for La Union Mr. Juanito Malazo Jr.

The funding is dedicated to the project titled “Bee-Cause We Care: Buzzing Forward for Beekeeping Sustainability in Region I through Queen Bee Production.” This initiative aims to establish a queen rearing facility in strategic location in region I to produce mated queens for local beekeepers and increase honey production and income for beekeepers in region 1.