- Cultural heritage is an expression of the ways of living developed by a community and passed on from generation to generation including customs, practices, places, objects, artistic expressions and values. Cultural heritage is often expressed as either tangible or intangible. Not all of Pasuquin’s cultural heritage have survived the challenges of the years that came by. Those that did not must be recorded in our history books because they helped shaped our identity as a town and townspeople.
- Salt Making. Pasuquin is noted for salt-making, the finest in the land. A treasured heritage, it started as a home industry in remote Bungro Island for bartering purposes. It later developed into an entrepreneurial business for residents of Brgy Davila which is located along the highway, attracting tourists and buyers alike from across the country. There’s a prominent song entitled “Asin” composed by Mr. Juan Batuyong.
How Salt Is Made – by Rene Guatlo. Mr. Guatlo posts his “in a nutshell” 1978 English composition on saltmaking. - “Panagdapil”, “Panagsilamot”, Molasses-making and Basi-making which started around the 1930s, depicted neighborliness, friendship and merriment, as articulated by Mr. Isabelo A. Lagac in his article. These are barely surviving the effects of today’s highly commercialized world. Unless protected, they will go down the path of extinction sooner or later.
- Narayray a Tarigagay – an intangible heritage, this organization fosters individual involvement towards the collective goal of helping various sectors of the community through fund raising initiatives. Known as “Tarigagay” today, it originated in the northern part of Pasuquin in the 1950s which, at the time, was geared towards entertaining neighborhoods and educating the younger generation.
- Original Pasuquin words or expressions – “barok”, “adik”, “balasangko”, “kenka”, “kadakayo” and others are facing extinction due to the intermixing of words or expressions brought by migrants. The expressions “Aysi”, “Ay-i” and “Aw-a” are authentic Pasuquin expressions though their usage can be found only in older people today. There is an urgent need to protect these by educating the youth.
- Komedya Ilocana – was Pasuquin’s live entertainment during town fiestas in the early days, where many people including those from the barrios watched until the wee hours of the morning. Sadly, this colorful stage show became extinct but lately, there has been a strong desire to bring it back even just for once for the sake of those who watched it as children, now in their golden years. TPHS advocates bringing it back as a mainstay cultural show with cast generally made up of students. For historical reasons, TPHS requests those in possession of materials such as costumes and book of verses to please donate them for archiving.
- The Bullcart Caravan – bartering was a means for the citizens to trade goods-for-goods in the early days where money was scarce. Some resorted to travelling to other towns in a caravan of cow-drawn carts or “carizons”. This age-old practice has since given way to modern commerce and transportation, but must be historically recorded as a significant aspect in the survival of our forefathers.
- The Town Crier – made important announcements to the public, walking to and stopping at streetcorners to read the announcement of the day. While walking, he beat a snare drum in a certain rhythm to call the attention of the public. TPHS advocates the revival of the town crier for ceremonial purposes and as a way to connect the present generation to the distant past.
- The Itnegs – in their tribal outfit, this cultural minority added color to Pasuquin Christmases and fiestas in the 1960s. They were the original source of “bilagot”, the prime commodity that they brought to town to barter with local goodies. Pasuquinos loved to eat this herb-like vegetable so much so that “bilagot” became some sort of a community label, as embodied in the “Panagasin” song that is still sung to this day.
- The Brass Band – the brass band is very much a part of our cultural heritage. Spain introduced it. Missionaries taught natives how to play an instrument and once they had the skills, sent them to the Spanish Military Band. It was an opportunity for natives to avoid forced labor. Natives were banned from organizing their own band.The Americans popularized the brass band. The phenomenon spread across the country giving birth to at least a band or two in every town. Traditions such as town fiestas, Flores de Mayo, serenata and religious processions and funerals became ingrained in Filipino culture. The brass band has always been at the forefront of these events. Pasuquin had two brass band (meloday Masters Band and OCLA band), then one (Pasuquin Band), then today, there is none. This picture is that of the original Melody Masters Band performing at the auditorium and leading a funeral procession. Another picture is that of Pasuquin Band.
- Town Fiesta – is a big part of our cultural heritage. It started during the Spanish era as an occasion to celebrate a town’s Patron Saint. Being so, people swarm to the town’s center to engage in or witness merry-making events such as parades, shows and amusements of all sorts. Later, parades extended as a way to herald certain civic events. This early Pasuquin pictures show a parade on a gravel highway women in Ilocana dress, and float, and a winning parade entry.
- Salt Making. Pasuquin is noted for salt-making, the finest in the land. A treasured heritage, it started as a home industry in remote Bungro Island for bartering purposes. It later developed into an entrepreneurial business for residents of Brgy Davila which is located along the highway, attracting tourists and buyers alike from across the country. There’s a prominent song entitled “Asin” composed by Mr. Juan Batuyong.