Douglas Balagedan Ayban
BS Agriculture 1998
Distinguished Alumnus in Entrepreneurial Beekeeping
Despite the odds of being in a foreign country like New Zealand, Douglas endeavored to wean himself as an employee and instead became an employer in 2019. He established a commercial beekeeping company, “Kwatako Honey Ltd.”, which means “Ours” in kankanaey. They produce premium Manuka honey and breading, and supply quality queens to other beekeepers. Most discerning is the employment of many Cordillerans in his company.
He learned the basics of beekeeping from BSU as these were offered by the Department of Entomology. His first employment in 1999 was Beekeeper Technician at SLU-EISSIF Inc., then as Seasonal Beekeeper Helper in Canada for five years, and in New Zealand as a skilled migrant beekeeper where he gained management skills in beekeeping in a commercial apiary.
Coupled with his outgoing personality, it did not take long for him to become a Team Leader of a beekeeping company in New Zealand. He leads 2-5 men only but cares 1,000-1,500 hives. With trust, confidence, and good management skill, he has been promoted to General Manager. Their 6,000 hives increased to 52,000 hives in 6 years’ time. Considering the work, he collaborated with SLUEISSIF and BSU to initially train beekeepers bringing employment to hundreds of Cordillerans. It was at this time that Filipino beekeepers were also sought in the USA, Australia, and the Middle East.
He believes that being a father is a lifetime vocation, and so he brought his family to New Zealand as migrants.