Sablan, Benguet – The Cordillera Regional Apiculture Center (CRAC), in partnership with the Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office-CAR, conducted a two-day Hands-On Beekeeping Training on July 9–10, 2025, at Payda, Bayabas, Sablan.
The activity was attended by 30 male residents—Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL)—aged 15 to 20, currently undergoing rehabilitation at RRCY from various provinces across the Cordillera region.
The training aimed to provide the residents with livelihood skills while reinforcing the principles of restorative justice. According to Dr. Ana Mendoza, CRAC Director, beekeeping is still a rare practice in the region, and equipping the youth with such skills could help them rebuild their lives after completing the program.
“Hindi na magiging choice ang paggawa ng crimes just to acquire money because they are equipped with livelihood skills,” said Fregeline Sapalong, Manpower Development Officer II, emphasizing that the initiative offers a pathway toward a better future.
CRAC’s Leo Kimbungan opened the training by highlighting the vital role of bees in agriculture. “Without bees, the world might run out of food in four years,” he said, stressing their role as essential pollinators of food-producing plants.
In the second session, Tristan Apiles delivered a lecture on hive management and bee conservation. He explained common mistakes in honey harvesting, such as the use of excessive smoke and the destruction of all honeycombs, which often causes bees to abandon their hives. He stressed that honey should only be collected from the second layer of the comb, leaving enough for the bees to feed on and sustain the colony.
Following the lecture, CRAC beekeeping interns facilitated a hands-on activity where the residents learned how to properly open a hive, identify its components, and apply practical management tips—such as ensuring the bees have enough food and that frames are properly arranged. The session also helped the participants understand bee behavior and safety, including the importance of avoiding sudden movements and refraining from opening hives during bad weather, when bees are most defensive.
In the afternoon, Kimbungan introduced the group to stingless bees, which are smaller than regular honeybees and are especially effective in pollinating hard-to-reach flowers like strawberries and rambutan. The residents also had the opportunity to taste the distinctive flavor of stingless bee honey.
On the second day, Schereid Joi Ugnasi taught the participants how to differentiate between authentic and adulterated honey. She demonstrated that real honey does not easily mix with water and guided the group in observing differences in texture and aroma. Residents also conducted taste tests, equipping them with practical knowledge they can share with others.
CRAC mentors and interns, led by Hanter Paul Bangitao, introduced a session on bee product processing, teaching the residents how to make scented candles and natural lip balm using beeswax and essential oils. The young participants were then guided in crafting their own products—resulting in beautifully made candles and lip balms. This activity encouraged creativity and inspired them to pursue livelihood opportunities, with the center committing to provide materials to help further hone their skills.
The two-day training concluded with a talent presentation from the residents, who performed music as a gesture of gratitude and self-expression.
“Hopefully, what you’ve learned in beekeeping and product development—you may not use it today, but it will be useful in the future,” said Social Worker II Clouie Grail Guay in her congratulatory message.
One resident shared, “Gusto ko pong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Baka balang araw, ket mapanunot kon to nga ag-apply to iti beekeeping (I want to finish school, and maybe someday I’ll consider applying for beekeeping training).”
Another expressed his interest in entrepreneurship, saying, “Paglabas ko, gusto kong aralin pa ang beekeeping para ma-apply ko at makapag-business (When I get out, I want to study beekeeping further so I can apply it and start a business).”
Dr. Mendoza added that once the residents complete their rehabilitation program, they will be eligible to enroll at CRAC for NCII in Beekeeping once it is offered, as it does not strictly require a high school diploma.
The Cordillera Regional Apiculture Center continues to offer Bee Education Services, including beekeeping training, bee conferences, internships and monitoring, and bee product processing.
For more information, visit their Facebook page Bsu Crac, or go to their main office at the CCARD Building, College of Veterinary Medicine and CRAC Training Center, College of Forestry, Benguet State University.//Hazel Tugguin, BSU-Devcom Intern