NARTDI Briefer
Beekeeping is one of the most important forms of agriculture in the world. About one-third of the seed yield of agricultural crops worldwide is derived from the pollination of cross-pollinated plants. Diversified products like honey, beeswax, royal jelly, bee venom, pollen and propolis have potential demand, both in the local and international markets. Hence, apiculture should be developed as an urban agro-based industry since it enhances the balance of the ecosystem. It maximizes the labor resources of both the women and youth sectors of the society.
The National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute (NARTDI), formerly known as the Apiculture Training and Development Center (ATDC) was conceived due to the felt need of both the private and government sectors of an institution to spearhead and support the development of the beekeeping industry. The ATDC was established at the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Bacnotan, La Union on September 27, 1991 by virtue of Board Resolution No. 91-160. This was the only apiculture center ever established in the country that was catering to the needs of the existing and emerging beekeepers. Its operation as a center was dependent on the budget appropriation of DMMMSU particularly on its meager share form the research and extension funds and other funds from other funding agencies.
The radiation effect on the ATDC programs and other institutions created the interest of beekeepers in almost all parts of the country. Unfortunately, the growing demand for beekeeping training, technical assistance and the establishment of the bee industry could hardly be met by the center due to its limited resources and the absence of authority of the center to prepare, implement and oversee research and extension programs in apiculture. Because of the afore cited limitations on the implementation of apiculture programs and the clamor for an authority in the Apiculture industry to satisfy the increasing demand, a bill was drafted in the early part of 1999 for the abolition of the ATDC and creation of the National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute (NARTDI) instead, at DMMMSU, Bacnotan, La Union. Hon. Congressman Manuel C Ortega, representative of the First District of La Union, sponsored House Bill No. 10594. With the support of 79 other congressmen, this was approved at the Lower House during the Third Regular Session as per Committee Report No.1335. On the other hand, Senator Loren Legarda Leviste filed Senate Bill 2199 in October 2000. The bill was passed to different committees for recommendation and amendments. With the sponsorship of Senators Nikki Coseteng and John Osmena, Senate Bill 2199 was approved on Second Reading as per Committee Report No. 640.
The consolidated version of House Bill 10594 and Senate Bill 2199 was finally passed by the House of Representatives and Senate on June 5 and 6, 2001, respectively. Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved Republic Act 9151 creating the National Apiculture Research, Training and Development Institute on August 10, 2001.