On World Bee Day Monday, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11) encouraged the youth to train in and venture into beekeeping.

Marie Ann Constantino, DA-11 regional technical director for operations, said the youth sector is the country’s backbone in organization and development, making them capable of handling apiculture.

“Not only with the bee industry but in the entire agricultural movement. The youth also account for the strength in terms of skills, intellect, and capacity,” Constantino said in an interview Monday.

Constantino said the youth can contribute in promoting and implementing projects in apiculture fields that “have a long-term basis on agricultural development.”

James Ryan Abonales, a senior beekeeper at Loyola Apiary Farm here, said beekeeping is knowing its essential role in the ecosystem.

“Among the challenges faced in the industry are threats, climate change, poor biodiversity, uncontrolled urbanization, and awareness to the public,” he said.

Abonales said they tapped the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) to raise awareness and promote beekeeping on social media.

Efifanio Loyola, chair of the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council and the national president of the BeeNet Phils. Foundation, said bees play a big role in the country’s food security.

“Without pollinators, our production will be affected. Without bees, there’s no food,” he said.

Loyola said the youth can also look forward to a promising career in apiculture. (PNA)