Plan Beez

RESEARCH | Stingless bee honey is gaining recognition as a superfood because of its exceptional health and therapeutic benefits, which rival—or even surpass—those of the world-famous Manuka honey. As a result, some now describe it as a “miracle liquid” and the “next superfood.” In our study, we developed a method using handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy with machine learning techniques to screen or confirm whether honey from Philippine stingless bees is authentic. The model confirmed the origin of Philippine stingless bees with 94.1% accuracy and 100% specificity.

Authors: Angel T. Bautista VII, June Hope D. Aznar (Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila), Remjohn Aron H. Magtaas, Mary Margareth T. Bauyon, Andrei Joshua R. Yu, Kian G. Balaguer, Jervee M. Punzalan (Department of Physical Sciences and Mathematics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila | Dodd-Waals Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies, Department of Chemistry, University of Otago), Jessica B. Baroga-Barbecho (Bee Program, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños) and Cleofas R. Cervancia (Bee Program, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Published in Food Chemistry

Read more: https://ovpaa.up.edu.ph/research/new-method-can-authenticate-philippine-stingless-bee-honey-considered-the-next-superfood/

Image by stevepb from Pixabay

A recent study by researchers from the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has revealed troubling results about honey products sold across Philippine markets. The research found that at least three out of four commercially available honey brands are either partially or completely adulterated with sugar syrup, despite being marketed as pure and natural. Using advanced analytical and nuclear-based techniques, scientists were able to verify honey authenticity with high accuracy, exposing the widespread presence of fake or diluted honey and raising serious concerns about food quality and consumer deception.

Experts warn that the issue goes beyond misleading labels. Adulterated honey lacks many of the nutritional, antimicrobial, and medicinal properties found in genuine honey, reducing its health benefits for consumers. The practice also harms local beekeepers who produce authentic honey but struggle to compete with cheaper, fake products. Researchers are calling on regulatory agencies to strengthen food monitoring systems, enforce stricter labeling and testing standards, and educate the public on how to identify real honey. These measures are seen as essential to protecting consumers, restoring trust, and preserving the integrity of the Philippine honey industry.

Science Department |

Bakit magandang gawing core asset ang mga bubuyog sa isang agribusiness farm? 🐝

Sa agribusiness, ang core asset ay ang pinaka-mahalagang resource na kapag nawala ay direktang maaapektuhan ang produksyon at kita ng negosyo. Ayon sa mga pag-aaral sa agrikultura, malaking bahagi ng food crops sa mundo ay umaasa sa pollination, at ang mga bubuyog ang pangunahing gumaganap nito. Base sa datos, ang presensya ng honey bees at stingless bees sa sakahan ay nagreresulta sa mas mataas na ani, mas magandang kalidad ng bunga, at mas stable na produksyon, kaya makatuwirang ituring ang mga ito bilang core asset at hindi lang dagdag na input.🍊🍎🍑🥭

Ayon sa research, ang mga crops at prutas na may pinakamagandang kombinasyon sa mga bubuyog ay kinabibilangan ng:
• coffee at cacao (stingless bees)
• mango, avocado, citrus fruits
• watermelon, cucumber, squash, pumpkin
• chili, tomato, at iba pang vegetable crops
Dito malinaw na ang pollination ng bubuyog ay direktang konektado sa fruit set at market quality.

Bukod sa suporta sa ani, ang mismong bubuyog ay maaaring gawing negosyo sa pamamagitan ng honey production, beeswax at propolis, at pollination services. Ayon sa datos, ang ganitong diversified income ay nagpapalakas sa financial resilience ng farm. Sa aspeto naman ng sustainability, ipinapakita ng mga pag-aaral na ang mga bubuyog ay mahalaga sa biodiversity, ecosystem balance, at long-term environmental health—mga salik na kritikal sa sustainable at future-ready na agribusiness.