Buguey, Cagayan -Ms. Kay Olivas, RTD for Research and Regulations, who represented  Dr. Rose Mary G. Aquino, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 2 (DA RFO 2) extended her felicitations to Mayor Licerio “Ceri” Antiporda III and the people of Buguey in their Agri Fest 2026 highlighting the 4th Lechon, Pinakbet and Kakanin Festival on April 25, 2025 and said the agency commits in helping them with the   Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program.

“This and the rest of your festival are a reflection of Buguey’s rich culinary heritage and the close connection between its people and the bountiful land, river and sea that sustain them. It is a part of the multifaceted tapestry of fish, livestock, seaweeds, high value crops and rice industry the town offers. I am happy to be a part of this significant event. The DA is here, ready to cooperate in things that will make the life of the Bugueyano farmers easier.”  Olivas said.

RTD Kay Olivas also graced the opening of the KADIWA NG PANGULO at the Buguey LGU Grounds featuring 20 pesos per kilo rice and affordable vegetables and meat.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ceri Antiporda expressed hopes that by these festivals, the LGU can promote a robust tourism industry at the same time upscale the livelihood of the Bugueyanos.

The chief executive and the farmers expressed their thanks to PBBM, the DA and NIA.

“We have rice fields, high value crops and the blessings of the sea and the lagoon. By empowering our fellow Bugueyanos and strengthening our tourism industry, we hope, with our mangrove crabs and soon, livestock, we can take strides towards a strong agri fishery, hog industry and aqua marine endeavors,” he said.

In addition to the Lechon, Pinakbet and Kakanin Festival, brainchild of Mayor Ceri Antipoprda, Buguey proudly celebrates two more vibrant festivals that have become part of the town’s cultural fabric.

The Baybay Festival during February honors coastal resources and the bulong unas (beltfish),  the Guraman and Malaga Festival, celebrated every July, and the Mud Crab Festival, held every October, exalts the prized mud king crab. The Lechon Festival, celebrated every April, showcases the mastery of lechoneros in crafting the perfect roast pig. These festivals are a reflection of Buguey’s rich culinary heritage and the close connection between its people and the bountiful land and sea that sustain them.

Buguey, with a total land area of 16,450.03 hectares, has 149.1 has. of brackish water and 10.44 has. freshwater where malaga, kapiged, shrimps, prawns and guraman abound. Aside from vast rice fields, it has 60 has of land devoted to high value crops including barangay communal gardens. The Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Office (MAFSO) said malaga harvest is 81.56 tons and crabs has a bountiful 137.05 tons harvest.

The INSPIRE Project featuring hogs in every barangay was jumpstarted as 140 lechons were paraded during the festival.

Via Dr. Ferdinand Cortez

Photos: Kay Olivas, PIA