Thirty-three-year-old Gary Ayuste was among the five individuals who won a Siklab Award for social entrepreneurs in August 2019.
He was awarded for his contributions by founding the Beengo Farm. The name of his farm was a combination of bee and mango where the bees could pollinate and get their nectar. The bee sanctuary, which started its operation three years ago and is located beside Tunga River, has been providing a livelihood to housewives living near the farm as well as a venue for environmental conservation.
“Being able to influence people is my measurement of success because that means you’ve inspired others,” he said.
Aside from propagating honey-producing bees, Ayuste also provides free training sessions to farmers. He also donates bee colonies to schools and prepares demonstrations of colonies for anyone who is interested to learn.
Moreover, Beengo Farm serves organically-grown food like vegetables, chicken, bananas, and coconuts from the Empowered Farmers Association,a group of housewives.
Ayuste is a USJ-R student under the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).
The other 2019 awardees are Jan Bernard Tan (iVolunteer & The Good Store PH), Clarissa Isabelle Delgado (Teach for the Philippines), Edgar Elago (Project Scholar and Project ADAMMS), and Melissa Yeung-Yap (Got Heart Foundation & Earth Kitchen).
The five were picked from the 98 nominees from across the country.
The awarding body recognized the young and bright individuals who display an entrepreneurial spirit, embody a passion to make lives better, and have a proven commitment to nation-building.
“The RAMON V. DEL ROSARIO – SIKLAB AWARDS is about the spark that is the youth of today. It’s about the leadership they exhibit in their own field and the impact they create in society. They are trailblazers despite their young age. They light the path for other young leaders to follow suit,” read the description of the Siklab Award social media page.
This new award also takes its inspiration from the leaders of the past, specifically PHINMA founder Ramon V. del Rosario, as well as the awardees of its elder awards program, the Ramon V. del Rosario Award for Nation Building.
Written by Lorraine Mitzi Ambrad
Photo and video by Siklab Awards
