The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Buguey, located in the province of Cagayan in northern Luzon, Philippines, is the primary governing body responsible for local administration, public services, economic development, and environmental stewardship. Known as the “Crab Capital of the North,” Buguey is a coastal municipality with a vibrant aquaculture sector, rich cultural heritage, and an increasingly active local governance structure under the leadership of Mayor Licerio M. Antiporda III.
Core Mandate and Public Services
LGU–Buguey implements a comprehensive set of governance and public service initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Core services include:
Municipal Governance and Administration
- Local planning and legislative functions
- Barangay coordination and public affairs
- Transparent budget execution and participatory governance
Agriculture and Fisheries Development
- Support for small-scale crab, shellfish, and aquaculture farmers
- Provision of seeds, equipment, and capacity-building through DA partnerships
- Promotion of sustainable and eco-friendly farming techniques
Health and Social Welfare
- Operation of the Buguey Rural Health Unit and Barangay Health Stations
- Community health outreach, immunization, and nutrition programs
- Social assistance for vulnerable populations via MSWDO
Education and Youth Development
- Scholarship assistance for tertiary education
- Support for DepEd schools and community learning centers
- Skills training and youth leadership development
Infrastructure and Utilities
- Road construction and barangay connectivity
- Improvement of drainage and irrigation systems
- Provision of potable water and sanitation services
Tourism and Cultural Development
- Promotion of the Buguey Crab Festival
- Protection and enhancement of heritage sites
- Ecotourism development in coastal and mangrove areas
Environmental Management and Disaster Resilience
- Coastal resource management programs
- Solid waste segregation and community clean-up initiatives
- Climate adaptation and early warning system implementation
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
Buguey is nationally recognized for its thriving mud crab aquaculture, earning it the title “Crab Capital of the North.” The municipality's value proposition includes:
- Rich coastal resources with commercial-scale aquaculture
- Community-based fisheries management integrating local cooperatives
- Strong LGU-CSO partnerships in environmental and tourism projects
- Focus on inclusive rural development and heritage preservation
LGU–Buguey promotes economic development that harmonizes with ecological balance and cultural identity.
Financial and Operational Strength
As a 3rd class municipality, Buguey’s local revenues are supported by:
- IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment) allocations from the national government
- Income from local taxes, fees, and economic enterprises
- Special grants from national agencies and donors
Recent years have shown progressive budget utilization for infrastructure and social services, as documented in the LGU’s transparency reports.
Export and Trade Development
Buguey’s mud crabs, locally known as “kagking”, are traded to major Philippine seafood hubs such as:
- Metro Manila
- Baguio City
- Central Luzon
While not directly exporting internationally, Buguey’s aquaculture output contributes to the broader seafood export chain through intermediary processors and distributors.
Target Constituents and Stakeholders
- Local residents of over 30 barangays
- Aquaculture and farming communities
- Women’s organizations and youth groups
- Small business owners and cooperatives
- Tourists and cultural enthusiasts
LGU–Buguey designs its services and policies with a grassroots-centered, inclusive development framework.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Municipal Hall and satellite barangay offices
- Public market and crab trading centers
- Rural health units and community health stations
- School support infrastructure and libraries
- Flood control systems and road networks
Infrastructure investments have significantly improved mobility, disaster preparedness, and service delivery.
Certifications and Compliance
- Compliant with DILG Seal of Good Local Governance criteria
- Active submission to the Full Disclosure Policy Portal
- Partnerships with BFAR, DA, and DENR for technical compliance and sustainability
LGU–Buguey also complies with DRRM and Local Climate Change Adaptation Plan (LCCAP) mandates.
Community and Stakeholder Feedback
Residents and stakeholders frequently cite improved road access, health program expansion, and support for aquaculture development as indicators of positive LGU performance. Participation in public consultations and barangay assemblies has increased under the current administration.
Major Achievements
- Recognition as the “Crab Capital of the North”
- Successful implementation of the annual Buguey Crab Festival
- Increased budget allocation to health and infrastructure sectors
- Strengthened fisheries and mangrove protection programs
- Development of LGU-supported livelihoods and microenterprises
LGU–Buguey continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to localized governance that prioritizes heritage, sustainability, and citizen welfare.