PANAGKARAS as Basis for the Development of a Creative Ilocano Occupational Dance

Abstract

The Cacarsan Dance, derived from the Iloko term Panagkaras, is an occupational dance rooted in the traditional fishing practices of Sitio Cacarsan in the Municipality of Cabugao. This study investigated how the native occupation 4.of Panagkaras, including its materials, tools, and movement patterns, served as the basis for the development of a creative Ilokano dance called the Cacarsan Dance. Using a combination of developmental and descriptive research methods, data were gathered through interviews, observations, and a validated open-ended questionnaire administered to 20 participants. These methods were triangulated to ensure methodological rigor and strengthen the credibility of the findings. Results revealed that Panagkaras utilizes tools such as pails (timba), fishnets (sinanggaan and batbatea), fish traps (tabukal or glatting), and woven bamboo baskets (kuribot and samberao). Movement patterns, including bending, pulling fishnets, catching with hands, and swaying nets, were identified and translated into steps for the Cacarsan Dance. These findings demonstrate that indigenous occupational practices can be systematically translated into choreographic elements while maintaining cultural authenticity. The overall mean rating of 4.33 indicates a high level of expert acceptability, affirming the dance’s cultural relevance, artistic coherence, and instructional value.