By Villamor Visaya Jr
BUGUEY, Cagayan-Two-ton Malaga fish were grilled and partook by thousands of villagers in the Malaga and Guraman Festival on July 26 here.
Villagers and visitors also enjoyed the celebration with Lechon stuffed with mud crabs aside from grilled and shared Malaga.
Buguey Mayor Licerio Millare Antiporda III, the two-ton or 2,000-kilo Malaga fish for grilling are part of the 44,000 kilos of harvested produce by growers of the said species this year.
The grilled fish species belong partly to those bought from Malaga growers who had forced harvests recently due to the typhoon ‘Crising’ that pummeled the town.
The mayor said that having many festivals in Buguey town “is not only for fun, but also a way of investment by the Buguey local government to help to improve the economy and living of the residents here.”
The newest feast is “a sign of gratitude to their patrons, St. Anne and St. Joachim for the continued provision of abundant blessings,” he added.
The town is also celebrating annually its Crab and Mangrove Festival which highlights Buguey mud crabs, Baybay Festival, Pandan Festival, and Lechon and Pakbet Festival.
The festival was named from Malaga (rabbitfish) and Guraman (seaweeds), which celebrate the bounty of the seas.
Antiporda called on national government agencies “to pay attention and support the programs promoted by the local government focused on strengthening aquatic resources.”
“This is not only for our constituents, but it will also help neighboring towns and provinces, especially during times of calamity where residents, especially farmers and fishermen, have no resources to meet their needs,” the mayor said.
“So, help us strengthen and intensify our fisheries program because it is not only here in Buguey that needs it, it can also help neighboring towns and neighboring provinces in Cagayan,” he added.
During the gathering, the Malaga and Guraman dance competition was also initiated where students competed with their dancing skills.
Pattao National High School-Main Campus dancing team was named champion while Pattao National High School-Maddalero Extension took first runner-up. Second runner-up was Licerio Antiporda Sr. National High School dancers.
Malaga fish, also known as rabbitfish or siganus, is a popular and high-value fish in Cagayan. It is known for its white, tender and slightly sweet flesh and is often considered a premium seafood item. In Buguey, it is mostly cultured in ponds. #
