Prof. Giorgio Venturieri of Australia’s University of Sunshine Coast (USC) delivered the narrative on bees that captured the international symposium host Cebu Technological University (CTU) Tuburan on May 25th.
Agriculture students and academics from CTU campuses in Barili and Argao also showed support and learned from the expert whose lifework has spanned experiments conducted in Brazil’s Amazon and Australia .
The Nativo Bee owner highlighted various stingless bee species, pollination systems, and their role in improving crop productivity, particularly açaí.
He noted that the Philippine environment may offer suitable conditions for pilot studies on açaí production, which was discussed during the brief post-conference session with CTU academics who would form the core group of the project with USC’s adjunct professor.
In a dialogue with CTU Internationalization and ASEAN Integration (IAI) Director Dr. Rhodora Magan, Prof. Venturieri encouraged the university to consider açaí as part of its future research agenda, to which the former replied with high hopes, owing to the active role of CTU Vice President for Research and Development Prof. Pet Roey Pascual.
Co-organizing the event with Tuburan IAI chair Cheryl Dorog and campus director Dr. Carla Abaquita, academic Jerwin Zanoria drafted the proposal which now awaits the feedback of the Brazilian native.
Zanoria’s contribution ,i.e. initiation of the conference, is a hallmark of the campus’ articulated stance on research and internationalization, Dr. Magan added.
The event likewise featured contributions from BEENET Philippines and Al Bustan Farm, which shared expertise on sustainable beekeeping practices, honey production, and enterprise development.
Their participation further enriched discussions on the growing role of beekeeping in environmental conservation and rural livelihood development./IAI
Photo courtesy of ICPA Tuburan
