From the Shores of Pangasinan: The Taste of Resilience in Every Jar of Bagoong

Bagoong, a traditional fermented fish condiment, is an enduring symbol of Pangasinense identity, cultural heritage, and resilience. This study explored the cultural significance of bagoong through a qualitative narrative inquiry design. Using purposive sampling, five participants representing different sectors of the local bagoong industry, a producer (P1), a vendor (P2), a distributor (P3), a local historian (P4), and a tourism officer (P5), were selected based on their knowledge and involvement in preserving the tradition. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic narrative analysis. The findings revealed that bagoong extends beyond its role as a culinary product, serving as a symbol of cultural identity, family legacy, resilience, and community pride. Participants emphasized the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while adapting to challenges such as commercialization, rising production costs, and changing consumer preferences. They also highlighted the need for youth engagement, innovative marketing strategies, and stronger government support to sustain the local bagoong industry. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on food heritage and community resilience, emphasizing the importance of preserving traditional foodways as an integral part of Pangasinan's intangible cultural heritage.

Bagoong, Pangasinan, Cultural Heritage, Narrative Inquiry, Identity, Community Resilience

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