Beekeeping in Paradise: A Unique Blend of Agriculture and Tourism in El Nido

I had the opportunity to learn and get hands-on experience with bees on my own property at The Birdhouse. It was a new and exciting experience, as I had never harvested honey. Alongside this, I also had other memorable experiences, like harvesting coffee in our small backyard, with the helpful guidance of the boys at L.I.C.K., specifically with Zandro Cañeda, who also tagged along on a field trip.

On this particular adventure, we both had a chance to explore the former commodity, honey, and bees, witness the warm hospitality of Filipinos, and gain insights into their local knowledge and national efforts to promote beekeeping. As we drove further north from Dewil, we explored neighboring Villa Paz, where we were warmly welcomed by members of the El Nido Beekeeper’s Association (ENBA), including President Rey Batalona, outgoing secretary Rachel Quinto, and in-coming secretary Rufo Tagrosa. Our conversation revolved around the growing interest in beekeeping, and we were genuinely excited to learn more.

To deepen our understanding, Kuya Rey and other members of the Bee Farm Association then took us a short distance from the highway to show us their vision of a flourishing Bee Farm Association and a Villa Paz-style farm stay.

Kuya Rey provided an insightful explanation about the three types of bees kept by the 40-plus members of ENBA. They collaborated with Gary Avila Ayuste of BEEngo Farm, who underwent an intensive beekeeping course at the University of the Philippines-Los Baños. Ayuste extended his assistance to bee farmers in Nagcarlan, Laguna, which is the source of some of the bees found in El Nido. The team’s efforts to gather knowledge and assemble the group were supported by Ayuste’s expertise.

What types of bees are there in

The varieties of bees present- stingless bee honey (Tetragonula laeviceps), native stingless bee species (Tetragonula biroi) known locally as kiwot, and the Asian honeybee, locally called ligwan (apis cerana).

Bees offers several benefits. It provides a local source of honey and other bee products, which can contribute to the community’s economy. Moreover, beekeeping can enhance environmental awareness and education within the community, promoting a better understanding of the ecosystem and the role of pollinators. Additionally, by focusing on eco-friendly practices, such as avoiding harmful chemicals and providing diverse forage sources, communities can contribute to the health of local ecosystems and promote biodiversity. This holistic approach to beekeeping fosters a sense of connection to nature, sustainability, and community well-being.

Grand Opening of El Nido Beekeeper’s Association

As a result of Gary’s bee advocacy and Kuya Rey and the group of beekeepers in Villa Paz, El Nido has its first bee association. Cutting the ribbon with tourism stakeholders in their grand launch on August 12, 2023, earlier this year. Since then, they’ve received visits from neighbors, tourists, government agencies, and civic organizations interested in learning more about beekeeping.

The El Nido Beekeeper’s Association (ENBAK) was kind enough to spend a couple of hours explaining how they hope beekeeping is one avenue of tourism that can lead to other ventures, mainly farm tourism. In the past, we’ve tried to spread tourism to the east coast as it gives folks a different view of life (and tourism) in El Nido. Kuya Rey articulated his vision for organic farming, workshops for others in apiculture, and capacity building to encourage others to participate in sustainable tourism. He explains that El Nido’s east coast is filled with gems yet to be discovered- snorkeling with sharks in Imorigue Bay, exploring the thick mangroves on an eco-tour, firefly tours, and farm stays.