The Socio-Cultural and Educational Impact of Panagsana Festival on Youth Development in Northern Philippines

Abstract

The Panagsana Festival is Pasuquin's most renowned cultural celebration held annually in December as part of the town's fiesta. Panagsana is an Ilocano term which means salt-making, reflecting the town's longstanding tradition and industry of salt production. This age-old occupation, typically carried out during the summer months, has been a primary livelihood for the coastal communities of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte for generations. The festival features vibrant street dances on December 29, with participants from the town's eight clustered barangays. These performances showcase the history, legends, and cultural heritage of Pasuquin, culminating in a grand showdown that highlights traditional salt-making practices. In addition to the cultural presentations, the Panagsana Festival includes various events such as car and motor shows, adding a modern twist to the traditional celebrations. The Panagsana Festival not only honors Pasuquin's rich history and traditions but also serves as a platform to promote local products like salt and biscocho, fostering community pride and attracting visitors to the region. The research highlights the rich culture of Panagsana Festival looking into its educational impact on youth development. The participants of this research were composed of 10 young Pasuquenos ages 17-23, who are always participating in Panagsana dance show in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte during the town’s fiesta. Through a series of interviews, the study was able to generate responses from participants specifically in terms of their contribution and the formation of their cultural identity and socio-cultural value. The study contributes to the growing impact of Panagsana Festival particularly in the cultural and educational parlance, and underscores the need for community-driven efforts for cultural preservation.