National Living Treasures: Alonzo saclag

The Kalinga people are often overshadowed by stereotypes of fierceness, leaving their rich culture and heritage largely unknown except to scholars and cultural workers. This makes the efforts of Alonzo Saclag, named Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2000, all the more vital. A master of Kalinga dance and performing arts, Saclag has dedicated his life to fostering awareness and appreciation of Kalinga culture, both within his community and beyond.

Growing up in Lubuagan, Kalinga, Saclag was captivated by the rituals and daily life of his village. Though he received no formal training, he mastered Kalinga musical instruments, dances, and rituals through observation and experience, driven by a deep passion for his cultural heritage. This passion fuels his mission to pass on traditional knowledge, especially to the younger generation, who he believes must understand and value their ancestral laws and beliefs. Despite the relative isolation that has preserved Kalinga culture, Saclag notes the growing allure of city life and the threat of foreign influences eroding their traditions.

One example he highlights is the budong, or peace pact, a traditional solution to tribal conflicts. Saclag laments that some fail to grasp its significance, viewing it merely as a ritual rather than a vital mechanism for maintaining peace. His efforts extend to preserving Kalinga artifacts and archaeological sites, which offer insights into their daily lives. He has worked tirelessly to revive the dying craft of making the gangsa (Kalinga gong) and successfully lobbied to convert an abandoned Capitol Building into a museum, now the Lubuagan branch of the National Museum.

Saclag’s advocacy reaches schools, where he encourages students to wear traditional Kalinga attire for special events and teaches them folk songs and dances. He has even pushed for traditional Kalinga music to be played on local radio stations. To ensure the survival of Kalinga performing arts, he founded the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe, training young people in ancestral music and dance. While some join for genuine interest, others see it as an opportunity to travel beyond their mountainous homeland.

Saclag dreams of recreating a traditional Kalinga village, complete with a structure to house artifacts and showcase Kalinga artistry. He has already purchased land and planted seedlings for trees to create a natural shelter, envisioning a place where bird songs fill the air—a rarity due to hunting. However, this vision remains unrealized, hindered by skepticism and lack of support from some in his community.

Despite challenges, Saclag remains undeterred. He welcomes collaboration with others, even those who form rival groups, and continues his work with unwavering dedication. His wife, Rebecca, and their nine children support his mission, though Saclag jokes that his children have yet to match his graceful dance moves. For Saclag, preserving Kalinga culture is not just a personal mission but a legacy for future generations, ensuring that the traditions of his people endure.