DAVAO ORIENTAL – Baganga, a municipality in the province of Davao Oriental, is gaining recognition for its delectable lechon baboy (roast pig), drawing customers from near and far who seek the distinct taste of this local delicacy.
Whether local residents or visiting tourists and customers from neighboring areas, many are on the lookout for the savory flavor of Baganga’s lechon baboy.
Elsa Monday, a resident of Barangay Lambajon, has been at the forefront of this culinary phenomenon. She and her husband began their lechonan (roasting pit) business in 2002, and it has been their livelihood for 21 years.
Over more than two decades, Elsa and her family have maintained the satisfaction of their customers by offering the delicious taste of their lechon baboy.
Their business model revolves around taking orders, and the number of pigs they roast depends on the demand. Typically, they roast around five pigs per day, but this varies based on customer orders.
The price for a 12-kilogram lechon baboy, suitable for ordinary days, is around PHP 4,000 (approximately USD 75). However, some customers request larger pigs, ranging from 15 to 20 kilograms, which can cost up to PHP 15,000 (around USD 280). For those who order even larger pigs, around 40 kilograms, the price can reach PHP 15,000.
Due to the limited supply of pigs in Baganga, Elsa sometimes sources her pigs from other places like Maragusan and Cateel.
Apart from local customers in Baganga, Elsa also receives orders from nearby areas, which speaks volumes about the reputation of Baganga’s lechon baboy.
Elsa attributes the popularity of their lechon baboy to the meticulous preparation of their spices and the cleanliness of their lechonan. She believes that the cleanliness of their pigs and their flavorful marinade make their lechon baboy stand out, attracting customers from various locations.
Elsa also accepts reservations, ensuring that customers can enjoy their mouthwatering lechon baboy whenever they visit Baganga.
Ricky’s Lechon, owned by Elsa Monday, is one of only three lechonan businesses in Barangay Lambajon. Baganga takes pride in offering delicious lechon baboy, which can also be a source of pride and competition among neighboring municipalities and provinces.
The taste of Baganga’s lechon baboy is making its mark as a sought-after culinary delight that can be proudly shared with visitors and guests from nearby areas.
