Bee Farm Association

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.
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.
As a result of Gary’s bee advocacy and Kuya Rey and the group of beekeepers in Villa Paz,
El Nido has it’s 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) were 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.
For visitors- the farm is located on the eastern side of El Nido in Sitio Abuay, Barangay Villa
Paz, just off the highway. +63 935 760 2593
More info from gary
Apis dorsata (asian giant bees also known as pukyutan) is alsvo very abundant in palawan
as a major source of wild honey before the proper art of keeping bees was introduced
Don't miss the chance to embark on an informative tour of their farm and discover their
exquisite, locally harvested honey and an array of bee-related products!
For more information, contact them at +63 935 760 2593.
See you there!
- An Asian bee called (APIS CERANA). It's scientific name comes from its native language in
the Philippines. “ALIG, LAYWAN or LIGWAN”, as it's commonly used commercially. Apis Cerana
can be found in enclosed places that includes big old trees, holes and small cavings
underground or even in human house spaces like roofs.
Support from Beengo farm

https://www.facebook.com/BEEngoFarm/
Other potentials for tours includes fishing, a river cruise in the mangroves, night time
fireflies, and even snorkeling with sharks in Imorigue Bay.
In some instances the care free stance of the group felt like a titas and titos wanting to have
space to garden and chat with friends of common interested. Beyond providing pollinators
for the east they’re educating others on the basics of beekeeping and providing a space for
enthusiasts alike. Beyond El Nido, Aloha Ranch and Organic Farm.
Support from DOT

DOLE
Mayor and
Farm stay
Location in Sitio Abuay, Barangay Villa Paz, El Nido, Palawan

Eastern side of El Nido
Great for side trips to Sibaltan, San Fernando, and Dewil Valley.
Habagat (southwest trade winds, Jun-Oct) perfect for island hopping, then the winds
change during amihan (northeast trade winds, Oct/Nov-April)
Vision livelihood, more education and enthusiasm from a group of 41 active and sometimes not
so active members from neighboring farms.
Benefit for pollination

Great for permaculture, resiliency, instead of toxic inputs and fertilizers let the bees do their
work.
Organic farm stay
BEES pollinates 70% of the agricultural crop we need to survive, where will we be without
them? BEEng
Text from a facebook post on local government unit El Nido tourism office.
The El Nido Beekeeper's Association (ENBAK) cordially invites all tourism stakeholders to
the grand launching of their sustainable BEE Farm on August 12, 2023, at 8:00 AM in Sitio
Abuay, Brgy. Villa Paz, El Nido, Palawan.
Don't miss the chance to embark on an informative tour of their farm and discover their
exquisite, locally harvested honey and an array of bee-related products!
For more information, contact them at +63 935 760 2593.
See you there!

#ElNidoENBAK #SustainableBeeFarm #LocalHoney #BeekeepingAdventure

Bee Farm Association

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Beekeeping in Paradise: A Unique Blend of Agriculture and

See you there!

Support from Beengo farm

Support from DOT

Location in Sitio Abuay, Barangay Villa Paz, El Nido, Palawan

Benefit for pollination

See you there!

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