Panagrama: A Sustainable Fishing Strategy of the Kankanaey Cultural Communities in the Lower Amburayan River

by Ms. Desiree A. Vilar

Abstract

This report discusses the presentation Panagrama: A Sustainable Fishing Strategy of the Kankanaey Cultural Communities in the Lower Amburayan River by Ms. Desiree A. Vilar. The study highlights the traditional fishing method of panagrama, a practice that has allowed the community to sustain its livelihood through the Amburayan River. Extending across Benguet, Ilocos Sur, and La Union, the river has long provided food and livelihood to surrounding communities. Unlike modern fishing methods, panagrama reflects a sustainable and heritage-rooted practice that emphasizes community cooperation and respect for natural resources. The report underscores the importance of preserving both the Amburayan River and the cultural traditions tied to it for future generations.

Introduction

Fishing has always been an integral livelihood for riverine communities in Northern Luzon. The presentation Panagrama: A Sustainable Fishing Strategy of the Kankanaey Cultural Communities in the Lower Amburayan River by Ms. Desiree A. Vilar focused on the cultural and ecological significance of panagrama, a traditional fishing practice. This method has not only sustained the survival of the Kankanaey people across generations but also exemplified the deep connection between culture, livelihood, and the natural environment.

Discussion

The Amburayan River, stretching from Benguet down to Ilocos Sur and La Union, has historically been a vital resource for the surrounding communities. It has served as a primary source of fish and other aquatic resources that supported both subsistence and cultural identity.

The practice of panagrama involves arranging stones and other natural materials in strategic formations within the river to guide fish into a contained area, making harvesting more efficient. While modern fishing techniques can produce faster results, panagrama remains significant because it reflects sustainability, community participation, and cultural continuity.

A key feature of panagrama is its communal nature. The process requires cooperation, patience, and shared effort, values deeply rooted in indigenous culture. One reflection from the community stressed that “panagrama is not only about catching fish, but also about remembering how our ancestors lived and survived.” This highlights how fishing, when practiced traditionally, becomes more than a livelihood—it becomes a cultural act of remembrance and resilience.

Furthermore, the presentation emphasized that while new technologies promise efficiency, they sometimes contribute to overfishing and ecological imbalance. In contrast, panagrama represents a sustainable model that allows communities to take only what they need, while respecting the river as a life-giving resource. This balance between human activity and environmental care provides an important lesson for present and future generations.

Conclusion

The presentation demonstrated that panagrama is not merely a fishing strategy but a cultural heritage practice that embodies sustainability, cooperation, and respect for nature. The Amburayan River, as the lifeblood of many communities, must be preserved not only as an ecological resource but also as a living heritage site. Protecting this river ensures that future generations may continue to benefit from it, both materially and culturally.

Recommendations

To safeguard panagrama and the Amburayan River, the following measures are recommended:

1. Environmental Preservation – Implement river conservation programs to protect water quality and biodiversity.

2. Cultural Documentation – Record and archive the methods and stories of panagrama for educational and cultural purposes.

3. Community Engagement – Strengthen awareness programs that highlight panagrama as a model of sustainable livelihood.

4. Integration with Tourism and Education – Promote panagrama as part of cultural heritage tourism and incorporate it into local school curricula to foster pride and knowledge among younger generations.

Through these initiatives, panagrama can continue to thrive as both a sustainable livelihood practice and a cultural legacy of the Kankanaey people along the Amburayan River.