Meliponiculture in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Review of its Socio-Economic Significance, Ecological Role, and Future Prospects

Meliponiculture in the Philippines: A Comprehensive Review of its Socio-Economic Significance, Ecological Role, and Future Prospects

Marlon M. Garrigues¹, and Richel B. Garrigues²

¹Department of General Teacher Training and Department of Agriculture and Forestry, North Eastern Mindanao State University, San Miguel Surigao del Sur, Philippines

²Department of Agriculture and Forestry, North Eastern Mindanao State University, San Miguel Surigao del Sur, Philippines

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.915EC0073

Received: 20 August 2025; Accepted: 26 August 2025; Published: 22 September 2025

ABSTRACT

Meliponiculture, the management of stingless bees (Tribe Meliponini), is an emerging agro-ecological enterprise in the Philippines, standing at the intersection of biodiversity conservation, agricultural productivity, and rural livelihood development. Unlike conventional apiculture with Apis mellifera, meliponiculture utilizes native bee species, offering unique products and ecological benefits. Despite its growing importance, knowledge on this subject remains fragmented across scientific literature, government reports, and community practices. This review aims to synthesize the current state of Philippine meliponiculture to provide a holistic understanding of its status, challenges, and potential. A systematic literature review was conducted to gather and analyze relevant information. The search strategy involved querying academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using keywords such as “meliponiculture Philippines,” “stingless bee Philippines,” “Tetragonula biroi,” “kiyot bee,” and “stingless bee pollination.” The search was supplemented with grey literature from institutional repositories (e.g., UPLB, SEARCA), government agency websites (e.g., DOST, DA, PCAARRD), and in-depth reports from reputable news outlets. AI-assisted technology (Gemini 2.5 Pro) was utilized to enhance data gathering, thematic analysis, and initial drafting. Sources were selected based on their direct relevance to the Philippine context, focus on stingless bees, and scientific or documentary rigor. The synthesis of available literature reveals that Philippine meliponiculture is a multifaceted sector. It is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge of communities like the Aeta and Tagbanua. Economically, it presents a viable livelihood for rural populations, with financial analyses of commercial T. biroi operations showing high profitability and quick returns on investment. The sector is a significant driver of women’s empowerment and has emerging potential in melitourism. Ecologically, stingless bees are critical pollinators for native flora and high-value crops such as coconut and mango, with studies demonstrating yield increases of up to 80%. Scientific advancements have uncovered the unique bioactive properties of Philippine stingless bee honey and propolis, leading to the development of novel food and cosmetic products. However, the industry’s growth is constrained by significant challenges, including habitat degradation, climate vulnerability, and a lack of product standardization, fragmented value chains, and policy gaps. Philippine meliponiculture is a high-potential sector at a critical developmental juncture. Its sustainable future depends on overcoming existing bottlenecks through integrated efforts. There is a pressing need to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science, establish national standards for pot-honey and other products, and strengthen institutional support. A future research agenda should prioritize the diversification of cultured species, clinical validation of product bioactivity, and comprehensive socio-ecological systems analysis. Through strategic policy, stakeholder collaboration, and continued research, meliponiculture can be fully realized as a cornerstone of sustainable rural development in the Philippines.

Keywords: Meliponiculture, Stingless bees, Philippines, Tetragonula biroi, Pollination

INTRODUCTION

Meliponiculture is the specialized practice of managing and conserving stingless bees (Tribe Meliponini) for the sustainable harvesting of valuable products such as honey, pollen, propolis, and cerumen, as well as for their crucial role as crop pollinators (Quezada-Euán, 2018; Vit and Pedro, 2018). This practice is distinct from the more widely known field of apiculture, which centers on the European honeybee, A. mellifera (Quezada-Euán, 2018). The distinction is critical, as it encompasses fundamental differences in bee biology, behavior, nest architecture, and product characteristics, which in turn dictate different management strategies and create unique economic and ecological opportunities.

Globally, meliponiculture is an ancient practice experiencing a modern resurgence, with several countries leading its development. Brazil stands as a global leader, having conducted extensive research and established large-scale commercial operations focused on numerous native Melipona and Scaptotrigona species, supported by a variety of hive models and sustainable management practices (Nogueira-Neto, 1997). Mexico has deep historical roots in Mayan meliponiculture, where traditional knowledge is being preserved alongside the adoption of modern techniques for managing species like Melipona beecheii (Quezada-Euán, 2018). In Australia, there is a growing interest in backyard and commercial meliponiculture focused on native Tetragonula species (Heard, 2016). Within Southeast Asia, Malaysia has seen a rapid expansion of stingless bee farms driven by high demand for “madu kelulut” (stingless bee honey) and strong government support (Mohd Zaki et al., 2019). Thailand and Indonesia also have burgeoning meliponiculture sectors, leveraging their rich biodiversity of stingless bees for honey production and crop pollination (Purwanto et al., 2020; Sukmasuang, 2016). This global landscape provides a comparative framework for understanding the unique trajectory and potential of meliponiculture in the Philippines, a nation with its own rich history and biodiversity of native bees.

Stingless bees are a highly diverse group of eusocial bees, with over 500 species found across the world’s tropical and subtropical regions (Michener, 2013). They are distinguished from A. mellifera by several key biological and behavioral traits. Most notably, their sting is vestigial and non-functional as a defensive weapon, making them significantly safer and easier to manage, particularly for novice beekeepers and in densely populated rural or even urban settings (Quezada-Euán, 2018). They are also typically smaller than European honeybees, with sizes ranging from just 2 to 12 mm (Michener, 2013).

Their nesting architecture is fundamentally different from the familiar hexagonal wax combs of honeybees. Stingless bees construct their nests using cerumen, a mixture of beeswax and plant resins (Bankova et al., 2017). Within the nest, they build irregular clusters of ovoid or pear-shaped pots for storing honey and pollen. Their brood cells, where young are raised, are often arranged in distinctive horizontal or spiral combs, which are typically protected by a multi-layered wax envelope known as an involucrum (Roubik, 2006).

The products derived from stingless bees are also unique. Their honey, often called pot-honey, characteristically has a higher water content (and thus is more fluid), a lower concentration of sugars, and a more acidic pH than Apis honey (Vit et al., 2018). This results in complex, often tangy or sour flavor profiles and, more importantly, contributes to potent bioactive properties. Research has consistently shown that stingless bee honey possesses strong antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, attributed to a rich composition of phenolic compounds and other unique phytochemicals derived from the diverse floral and resin sources they visit (Al-Ghamdi et al., 20221; Vit et al., 2018). Their propolis, sometimes called geopropolis, is also distinct, as many species incorporate soil, clay, or sand along with plant resins. This alters its chemical composition and may imbue it with unique bioactive compounds not found in the propolis of A. mellifera (Bankova et al., 2017). A summary of these key differences is presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Comparative Characteristics of Stingless Bees (Meliponini) and European Honeybees (A. mellifera)

The Rise of Meliponiculture in the Philippines

In the Philippines, meliponiculture is rapidly gaining momentum as a practice that bridges biodiversity conservation, agricultural enhancement, and rural economic development (Vit et al., 2013; Locsin et al., 2021). However, the information landscape is highly fragmented, with valuable data scattered across scientific journals, government reports, university extension materials, and community-level documentation. A comprehensive synthesis is currently lacking, which hinders the ability of policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to develop evidence-based strategies for the industry’s growth. Previous reviews of the field have provided excellent global overviews of stingless bee biology, nesting, and management (Quezada-Euán, 2018; Vit and Pedro, 2018), but a dedicated, in-depth review focused on the specific context of the Philippines has not yet been undertaken.

This review aims to fill that gap by systematically synthesizing the current state of knowledge on Philippine meliponiculture. It will consolidate information on its cultural history, economic viability, ecological importance, scientific advancements, and the key challenges and opportunities shaping its future. By providing a holistic and nuanced understanding of the sector, this paper seeks to offer a valuable resource for a broad scientific audience and inform the sustainable development of this promising industry.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

To ensure a comprehensive and unbiased coverage of the topic, this literature review employed a systematic search and selection process. The methodology was designed to capture both peer-reviewed academic research and relevant grey literature that provides critical context on the practical aspects of meliponiculture in the Philippines.

The literature search was conducted across several major academic databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PubMed. A combination of search terms was used to maximize the retrieval of relevant documents. These terms included, but were not limited to: “meliponiculture Philippines,” “stingless bee Philippines,” “T. biroi,” “lukot ,” “kiyot,” “stingless bee honey Philippines,” “stingless bee pollination coconut,” “indigenous beekeeping Philippines,” and “melitourism Philippines.”

In addition to academic databases, a targeted search of grey literature was performed. This included exploring the online repositories and publication databases of key Philippine institutions involved in agricultural and scientific research, such as the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), and the Department of Agriculture (DA). Reputable news outlets and environmental journalism platforms known for in-depth reporting on agricultural and conservation topics in the region were also consulted for reports and feature articles.

In addition to traditional search methods, this review utilized AI-assisted technology to enhance the efficiency and comprehensiveness of the research process. Specifically, Gemini 2.5 Pro was employed as a research assistant for several key tasks. In the data gathering phase, the AI helped formulate advanced search strings for academic databases and systematically scan institutional repositories and grey literature for relevant documents that might be overlooked by conventional keyword searches. During the analysis stage, the AI was used for initial thematic sorting and synthesis, helping to rapidly identify recurring themes, key findings, and knowledge gaps across the extensive body of collected literature. Finally, in the writing phase, Gemini 2.5 Pro assisted in drafting initial summaries of sourced materials and refining sentence structure for clarity and academic rigor. Throughout this process, all AI-generated outputs were subjected to rigorous verification, critical evaluation, and final editing by the authors to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and intellectual originality of the final manuscript.

Sources were selected for inclusion based on a set of predefined criteria. The primary inclusion criterion was direct relevance to the study of stingless bees (Meliponini) within the Philippine archipelago. This included research on their biology, ecology, cultural significance, economic impact, management practices, and product characteristics. Peer-reviewed articles, academic theses, official government and institutional reports, and well-documented news features were prioritized. While recent publications were given preference to ensure the review reflects the current state of the field, foundational historical texts and seminal papers were included to provide necessary background and context. Sources were excluded if they focused exclusively on A. mellifera without a comparative aspect to stingless bees, were purely anecdotal (e.g., personal blog posts), originated from non-reputable sources, or lacked sufficient detail and evidence to contribute meaningfully to the synthesis. This structured approach ensures that the review is built upon a robust and representative body of evidence.

To ensure a more transparent and rigorous review process, Figure 1 details  the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. PRISMA, which stands for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, is a widely recognized framework designed to improve the reporting of systematic reviews. Using the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram allowed the authors to visually map the entire literature search and selection process. This transparently show the number of records identified, screened, and ultimately included in the review, providing a clear and reproducible record of the study selection process.

The Multifaceted Importance of Meliponiculture in the Philippine Archipelago

The significance of meliponiculture in the Philippines extends beyond a simple agricultural practice, weaving together threads of cultural heritage, economic opportunity, and ecological stability. Its importance is rooted in a long history of human-bee interaction and is now being realized through modern applications that support livelihoods and conserve biodiversity.

Tracing the Historical Roots of Human-Bee Interaction

Long before the introduction of modern beekeeping, a deep, symbiotic relationship existed between the people of the Philippines and its native bees (Cervancia and Fajardo, 2003). This history is evidenced by the rich lexicon of local names for stingless bees—such as “lukot” in the Visayas, and “kiyot” or “kiyutan” in Luzon—which underscores their prevalence and familiarity across the archipelago (Conde, 2020; Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020; Pasion et al., 2021). This traditional ecological knowledge, passed down through generations, involved sustainable methods of harvesting honey and wax from wild colonies found in natural cavities like hollow trees and rock crevices (Cervancia and Fajardo, 2003).

Indigenous communities, in particular, have maintained this connection. The Aeta people of Quezon province, for example, possess traditional knowledge of honey hunting, employing rudimentary but functional techniques to collect honey for food, trade, and medicine, even without formal beekeeping experience (Rasco and Matias, 2015). Similarly, the Tagbanua indigenous people of Palawan have a long-standing practice of wild honey hunting and gathering from giant honey bees, a practice that is now being studied for its potential to link forest conservation with livelihood improvement (Matias et al., 2018). For these communities, stingless bee honey is not merely a sweetener but a valued component of traditional remedies, used for treating ailments ranging from wounds and coughs to respiratory issues (Cervancia and Fajardo, 2003; Pasion et al., 2021; Suarez et al., 2021).

However, this invaluable cultural heritage faces a critical juncture. Studies have observed that while traditional knowledge is rich among elders, it is eroding among younger, more formally educated generations, who may have less direct interaction with the forest ecosystem (Matias et al., 2018). This creates a potential loss of irreplaceable knowledge. Yet, in a compelling dynamic, the most successful modern innovations in Philippine meliponiculture are not replacing this traditional knowledge but are actively integrating it. A prime example is the development of modern hive technology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), which was significantly influenced by the practical expertise of traditional beekeepers like Rodolfo “Tio Ompong” Palconitin (Conde, 2020). This demonstrates that the path to a sustainable and culturally resonant meliponiculture industry lies not in choosing between science and tradition, but in fostering a hybrid model that respects and incorporates indigenous wisdom into modern research and development frameworks. This underscores the urgent need for ethno-entomological research to document this knowledge before it fades and to formalize partnerships with indigenous knowledge holders as co-developers of future innovations.

Economic Contributions and Livelihood Enhancement

Meliponiculture is increasingly recognized as a potent tool for rural economic development in the Philippines, offering accessible and sustainable livelihood opportunities that generate income, empower marginalized groups, and diversify local economies.

Meliponiculture as a Sustainable Enterprise for Rural Communities

For many rural and remote communities, keeping stingless bees provides a viable source of income that complements traditional farming (Vit et al., 2013; Locsin et al., 2021). The non-aggressive nature and low-maintenance requirements of many stingless bee species make the practice accessible even to those with limited capital or experience (Quezada-Euán, 2018). This has proven particularly impactful in contributing to poverty alleviation and providing economic stability for smallholder farmers (Vit et al., 2013). The practice is distributed across the country, with a 2017-2019 survey indicating the highest concentration of beekeepers in Luzon (1,969), followed by Mindanao (260) and the Visayas (195), highlighting both established hubs and regions with potential for growth (Locsin et. al., 2021).

Furthermore, meliponiculture has emerged as a significant avenue for women’s empowerment. Women are frequently involved in crucial aspects of the value chain, from maintaining bee pastures and managing colonies to processing and marketing honey and other value-added products (Conde, 2020). In communities like those surrounding the Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm in Sorsogon, income from beekeeping has enabled women, including widows, to provide for their families, purchase medicine, and send their children to school, often serving as their main source of income (Conde, 2020).

Financial Viability of T. biroi Farming

The economic potential of meliponiculture is not merely anecdotal; it is substantiated by rigorous financial analysis. The most widely cultured species in the Philippines, T. biroi, has been the subject of feasibility studies that demonstrate its strong profitability as a commercial enterprise (Locsin et al., 2021; Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). Two key studies, summarized in Table 2, provide compelling evidence of its financial viability. An early analysis by Dollentas et al. (2017) of a 1,000-colony operation projected an exceptionally high Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 69% and a rapid payback period of just 1.7 years. A subsequent, more comprehensive economic analysis by Dollentas et al. (2023), based on data from five large commercial meliponaries from 2017-2019, reaffirmed this potential, showing a positive Net Present Value (NPV), a strong IRR of 21% (well above typical interest rates), and a payback period of under three years. These figures robustly position meliponiculture as a financially sound and attractive investment for rural development.

Table 2. Economic Feasibility Analysis of Commercial T. biroi Operations in the Philippines

The Emerging Potential of Melitourism

Beyond the sale of hive products, a new economic frontier is opening up in the form of melitourism—a specialized type of agritourism centered on stingless bees (Nicolas et al., 2022). This niche market, while still relatively underrated in Southeast Asia, offers a powerful strategy for economic diversification. It allows farms to generate additional revenue streams through educational tours, workshops, on-site accommodation, and food services (Nicolas et al., 2022).

The Philippines, particularly the Bicol region, is considered a frontrunner in this area, with farms like the Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm demonstrating a successful model of integrating meliponiculture with tourism (Conde, 2020; Nicolas et al., 2022). Such enterprises not only create local employment but also serve as important platforms for public education, raising awareness about the importance of pollinators and promoting conservation-friendly practices (Vit et al., 2013; Conde, 2020). By engaging the public directly, melitourism helps build a supportive ecosystem for the entire stingless beekeeping industry.

Ecological Significance and Agricultural Impact

The role of stingless bees transcends economics and culture, extending deep into the ecological fabric of the Philippine archipelago. They are indispensable pollinators whose activities support both natural ecosystems and agricultural productivity, making their conservation a matter of national food security and environmental health.

Stingless Bees as Keystone Pollinators for Native Flora and Crops

Stingless bees are vital generalist pollinators, servicing a wide array of native flora, including forest trees and flowering plants (Cervancia and Fajardo, 2003). By facilitating the reproduction of these plants, they are key to maintaining the biodiversity and resilience of Philippine ecosystems (Vit et al., 2013). The practice of meliponiculture, by actively managing and propagating native bee colonies, serves as a direct conservation strategy (Cervancia and Fajardo, 2003). It helps bolster local pollinator populations that are increasingly threatened by widespread habitat loss, deforestation, and the indiscriminate use of agricultural pesticides (Cortopassi-Laurino et al., 2006; Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). A healthy population of stingless bees ensures the continued regeneration of native forests and supports the complex web of life that depends on them.

Quantifying the Impact on Agricultural Productivity

The agricultural impact of stingless bees is most profoundly felt in the pollination of high-value crops. Their diminutive size gives them a unique advantage, allowing them to effectively penetrate the small, intricate flowers of important crops like coconut, mango, and coffee, which larger bees may not service as efficiently (Cervancia and Fajardo, 2003; Conde, 2020).

The economic benefits of this pollination service are substantial and have been quantified in several studies. Research indicates that the presence of stingless bees can increase coconut yields by a remarkable 40-80% (Conde, 2020). One commercial farm in Sorsogon reported a 50% increase in their coconut harvest and, critically, observed a reduction in the premature fall of young coconuts, even after the passage of destructive typhoons (Conde, 2020). Similarly, their role in mango pollination has been shown to boost harvests by as much as 49% (Barrion-Dupo, 2023).

This connection between meliponiculture and farm resilience reveals a powerful positive feedback loop. The requirements of successful beekeeping—namely, the maintenance of diverse, flowering bee pastures and the avoidance of chemical pesticides—inherently create a more biodiverse and healthier local agroecosystem (Conde, 2020). This resilient environment, in turn, supports robust bee populations. These healthy colonies are better able to withstand and recover from climatic shocks like typhoons, which are frequent in many parts of the Philippines. Consequently, they provide consistent and effective pollination services even in the aftermath of a disaster, leading to more stable agricultural yields and enhanced food security (Conde, 2020). This dynamic transforms meliponiculture from a simple agricultural input into a cornerstone practice for building climate-adaptive farming systems, a finding with significant implications for national agricultural and disaster risk reduction policies.

Scientific and Technological Advances in Philippine Meliponiculture

The growth of meliponiculture in the Philippines is increasingly driven by scientific research and technological innovation. Local institutions and researchers are unlocking the unique properties of native stingless bee products and developing improved management systems, creating new opportunities for value addition and sustainable production.

Bioactive Properties and Value-Added Products

A significant driver of the interest in Philippine stingless bees is the exceptional quality and therapeutic potential of their products, which are often valued more for their medicinal properties than as simple food items (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020; Suarez et al., 2021).

Chemical Profile and Therapeutic Potential of T. biroi Honey and Propolis

Research into the products of the native stingless bee, T. biroi, has revealed a unique and potent chemical profile. Its honey has been found to contain significantly higher levels of flavonoids and phenolic compounds compared not only to local A. mellifera honey but also to internationally recognized Manuka honey (Suarez et al., 2021). This high concentration of bioactive compounds is directly correlated with superior antioxidant activity and potent antibacterial properties. Notably, T. biroi honey has demonstrated strong inhibitory action against pathogenic bacteria, including multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Suarez et al., 2021). Further investigation has identified the flavonoid isorhamnetin as a key compound responsible for this powerful antibiotic effect (Suarez et al., 2021).

Similarly, research on Philippine T. biroi propolis, while still an emerging field, has yielded promising results. Studies have isolated unique triterpenes, such as isomangiferolic acid, 27-hydoxymangiferonic acid, and 27-hydroxyisomangiferolic acid, which have demonstrated moderate antitrypanosomal and anticancer properties in laboratory settings (Tumale et al., 2022). Ethanol extracts of the propolis have also shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and fungi (Pasion et al., 2021). In another novel application, propolis extract has been found to promote hair growth in animal models by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting potential applications in cosmetology and dermatology (Tang et al., 2023). Furthermore, pollen collected by T. biroi has been characterized as a functional food, rich in beneficial fatty acids, esters, and phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity (Deocaris et al., 2024).

Innovations in Food and Cosmetic Product Development

The scientific validation of these bioactive properties has spurred the development of a diverse range of value-added products, a crucial strategy for increasing the income of meliponiculturists. Research from the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture has shown that converting raw hive products into processed goods can increase income by an average of 42% (Mostoles et al., 2014). This has led to the creation of numerous food and cosmetic products with demonstrated market acceptance and profitability, as detailed in Table 3. These innovations transform low-volume, high-value raw materials into marketable consumer goods, capturing more value at the community level and diversifying income streams beyond the sale of raw honey alone.

Table 3. Bioactive Properties and Developed Value-Added Products from Philippine Stingless Bee (T. biroi) Products

Innovations in Hive Technology and Management Practices

Alongside product development, significant advances have been made in hive technology and management systems, ranging from the refinement of traditional methods to the introduction of modern, standardized equipment.

From Traditional “Coco-Tech” to Modern Hive Systems

A prime example of indigenous innovation is the “coco-tech” method, a sustainable and low-cost practice prominent in Sorsogon that utilizes coconut shells, a common agricultural by-product (Conde, 2020). In this system, a brood comb is placed in a central half-shell, flanked by shells containing honey and pollen. The structure is tied together and can be expanded vertically by adding more shells as the colony grows (Conde, 2020). This technique is not only resourceful but also serves as a vehicle for knowledge transfer within communities (Conde, 2020).

Contrasting with this traditional approach are the modern hive systems developed by academic institutions. The UPLB Bee Program has designed a standardized wooden hive, often referred to as the UPLB TPH (Two-Tier Pollination Hive), which is engineered for easier management and more efficient, hygienic harvesting (Conde, 2020; UPLB Bee Program, n.d.). This modular box hive features a lower chamber for the brood and an upper super for surplus honey and pollen, allowing beekeepers to harvest products with minimal disturbance to the colony’s core (Conde, 2020). This innovation itself represents a successful fusion of scientific design and traditional wisdom, as its development was informed by the practical knowledge of veteran local beekeepers (Conde, 2020).

The Role of Institutional Research and Development

The advancement of Philippine meliponiculture is heavily supported by a network of government and academic institutions. The UPLB Bee Program stands out as the national center for bee research and development, pioneering technologies for bee conservation, pollination strategies, and product development (UPLB Bee Program, n.d.). Its contributions include developing low-cost rearing techniques, establishing national standards (PNS/BAFS) for honey and good beekeeping practices, and creating TESDA-accredited training modules for Beekeeping NC II, thereby professionalizing the sector (UPLB Bee Program, n.d.).

This work is bolstered by strong government support. The Department of Agriculture (DA) is actively promoting beekeeping as a national program, partnering with UPLB to explore export markets and establishing an accreditation system to ensure quality and combat illicit trade (Philippine News Agency, 2024). The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program, provides crucial support to beekeepers in rural and conflict-affected areas by offering training and start-up kits (Department of Science and Technology, 2021). The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) funds critical research and development projects, including initiatives focused on integrating stingless bees into coconut farming systems like the “coco-tech” in Sorsogon (Cervancia and Fajardo, 2003; Mostoles, 2019). Other regional hubs, such as the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), which hosts the Regional Apiculture Center, play a vital role in local training and research focused on the region’s abundant T. biroi populations (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020; Regional Apiculture Center – Bicol, n.d.). Together, these institutions form the backbone of research, extension, and policy support for the burgeoning industry.

Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions

Despite its immense potential, the Philippine meliponiculture industry faces a host of challenges that hinder its sustainable growth. These range from broad environmental pressures to specific bottlenecks within the industry’s value chain. However, for each challenge, there exists a corresponding opportunity for strategic intervention and development. A summary of these dynamics is presented in Table 4.

Table 4. Summary of Key Challenges and Opportunities for the Philippine Meliponiculture Industry

Threats to Sustainability

The long-term viability of meliponiculture is threatened by several interconnected factors. Environmentally, the primary threats are habitat degradation through deforestation and logging, which reduce both nesting sites and floral resources for bees (Cortopassi-Laurino et al., 2006). The increasing use of pesticides in conventional agriculture poses a direct risk of poisoning to sensitive stingless bee populations (Cortopassi-Laurino et al., 2006; Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). Furthermore, the Philippines’ vulnerability to climate change, particularly the increased frequency and intensity of typhoons in key beekeeping regions like Bicol, can devastate floral resources and weaken colonies, disrupting production cycles (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020).

Within the industry itself, significant bottlenecks exist. The supply of both honey and bee colonies remains unstable, often due to a continued reliance on hunting wild colonies and the impacts of natural disasters (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). Pests, such as phorid flies and predator birds, also pose a constant threat to colony health (Cortopassi-Laurino et al., 2006; Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). A major structural barrier is the pervasive lack of product standardization. Without established national standards for pot-honey, prices vary wildly, creating consumer confusion and distrust, while unhygienic harvesting and processing practices by untrained individuals further compromise product quality and safety (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). The industry is also highly fragmented, with most beekeepers operating independently, which limits collective action on issues of pricing, quality control, and market access (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020; Omoyon, 2020). Finally, existing policies, such as the Code of Good Beekeeping Practices, are often tailored to A. mellifera and are inadequate for the specific needs of stingless bee production (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020).

Policy, Market Development, and Value Chain Integration

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach focused on strengthening the entire meliponiculture ecosystem. A critical first step is the development and implementation of a Philippine National Standard (PNS) specifically for stingless bee pot-honey and other by-products. This would establish clear quality parameters, stabilize pricing, and build consumer confidence, enabling Philippine products to compete in both domestic and international markets (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). This must be coupled with stronger policy support from the government to accelerate farmer engagement and develop ancillary sectors like melitourism (Nicolas et al., 2022). The DA’s initiative to create a national beekeeping program and an accreditation system for beekeepers is a promising move in this direction (Philippine News Agency, 2024).

On the market front, there is a clear need to shift focus from selling raw honey to developing and promoting high-value processed goods. As demonstrated by research, value-addition through food and cosmetic product development can dramatically increase income for beekeepers (Mostoles et al., 2014). This requires investment in training for product development, as well as improved packaging, labeling, and traceability systems to ensure product quality and safety (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020). Fostering the creation of beekeeper cooperatives or associations would also be instrumental, allowing small-scale producers to pool resources, standardize quality, and gain collective bargaining power in the market (Nicolas-Ponce and Mostoles, 2020).

A Roadmap for Future Research

To support these pathways for growth, a targeted research agenda is essential. Several critical knowledge gaps need to be addressed to unlock the full potential of the industry. First, while T. biroi dominates current practices, there is a need for comprehensive research into the biodiversity, distribution, and economic potential of other native Philippine stingless bee species. Diversifying the species used in meliponiculture could open up new product lines and enhance ecosystem resilience (Rasmussen et al., 2023). Second, the promising preliminary findings on the therapeutic properties of honey and propolis must be followed by rigorous clinical and pharmacological research. The lack of in-depth clinical trials is a significant barrier to marketing these products as scientifically validated nutraceuticals or even pharmaceuticals, which would command a much higher value (Pasion et al., 2021; Tumale et al., 2022). Third, while the pollination benefits for coconut and mango are well-documented, more quantitative ecological studies are needed to assess the pollination efficiency of various stingless bee species on a wider range of agricultural crops. This would allow for a more accurate valuation of their ecosystem services and promote their integration into diverse farming systems. Finally, there is a need for more socio-ecological systems research to model the complex interactions between environmental change, agricultural practices, and the evolution of local and indigenous knowledge systems, providing a foundation for crafting more effective and culturally sensitive development programs (Matias et al., 2018).

CONCLUSIONS

Meliponiculture in the Philippines has emerged from a traditional practice into a dynamic and multifaceted sector with profound cultural roots, significant economic potential, and a critical ecological function. This review has synthesized the fragmented landscape of knowledge to reveal an industry defined by its flagship native species, T. biroi, a unique portfolio of bioactive products, and a blend of innovative indigenous and modern technologies. The practice serves as a viable livelihood for rural communities, a tool for women’s empowerment, and a cornerstone for enhancing agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation.

However, the sector stands at a pivotal developmental juncture. Its trajectory towards a sustainable and nationally significant industry is constrained by formidable challenges, including environmental pressures from climate change and habitat loss, and systemic bottlenecks such as a lack of quality standards, market fragmentation, and inadequate policy support. The future success of Philippine meliponiculture hinges on the ability of its stakeholders to collectively address these issues. A concerted effort is required from researchers, policymakers, local communities, and the private sector to forge a path forward. This path must be paved with policies tailored to the unique needs of stingless bees, strengthened value chains that prioritize quality and fairness, and a research agenda that continues to unlock the potential of native bee species and their products. By strategically integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific innovation, the Philippines can harness the full potential of meliponiculture as a powerful engine for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient rural development.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to express their sincere gratitude to the Surigao del Sur State University, now the North Eastern Mindanao State University (NEMSU), for providing the support for the research on meliponiculture conducted in 2021 at the NEMSU-San Miguel campus. This comprehensive review is a foundational component of a broader initiative to explore the current state of meliponiculture, identify critical knowledge gaps, and ultimately develop a more informative book or IECs to disseminate this knowledge to a wider audience. This particular publication project, however, is not funded by the university but under the quality control and management of the Research Development Office

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