Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. has declared the Municipality of Buguey in Cagayan Valley as the country’s crab capital, a crucial designation to focus resources that would help the town further develop the production of fresh mud crab.

Buguey’s role in the crab supply chain has been growing over the past decade. Last year, the third-class municipality produced 45.78 metric tons of mud crab, 40 percent of the production of Cagayan Valley which accounted for 70.5 percent of total output of mud crabs in Northern Philippines.

“Buguey provides local livelihood and plays an essential role in the region’s economy and has served as a mud crab production hub for the past 10 years,” said Sec. Tiu Laurel in his administrative order.

Aside from generating employment, mud crab production in Buguey fosters economic resilience and supports ancillary businesses like rfeed supply, food processing and transportation services.

The agri chief said that granting Buguey the title isn’t just honorific but a pivotal step in enhancing the town’s mud crab production’s contribution to the national economy.

Mud crabs, locally known as alimangong putik, are prized crustaceans because of their moist and flavorful meat found in the body and claws. Farmers usually culture mud crabs along with milkfish and tiger prawns.

The Philippines is among the major exporters of mud crabs in Southeast Asia. ### (Photo by DA-RFO II)