NATRIPAL was recognized by the University of the Philippines Los Baños Bee Program for its commitment to bring “technologies for harvesting and processing of wild honey to indigenous people in Palawan and promoting production of organic honey.” NATRIPAL’s efforts have centered on building up NTFP-based enterprises for the past 13 years in numerous communities across Palawan.

Loreta Alsa of NATRIPAL received the award in awarding ceremonies last 27 February in UP Los Banos. The ceremonies coincided with the Bee Program’s 20th Year Anniversary and the UPLB Centennial this 2009. The event was also a venue for the Beekeeper’s Symposium, where plans for Bee Research and Technology Development for the next five years were drafted.

NATRIPAL is grateful for all the support of NGOs, businesses promoting wild honey products, and its community partners who have continually inspired NATRIPAL. Thank you also to Prof. Cleofas Cervancia and her staff of the Beekeeping Program for recognizing NATRIPAL’s continued efforts to promote sustainable harvesting of wild honey in Palawan. {Loreta Alsa}