Alonzo Saclag Sr., a renowned Kalinga musician, dancer, and cultural advocate who was honored as a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure for Traditional Performing Arts) by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2000 for his work in safeguarding Kalinga indigenous art, passed away at the age of 83 on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in his hometown of Lubuagan.
His relatives did not disclose the cause of his death.
In a Facebook post, his son, former Lubuagan vice mayor Alonzo Saclag Jr., recalled that a week before his father died, the artist said: ‘I want to entertain you, but I need to rest,’ which appeared to be a premonition of his impending death.
Saclag, who was born on August 4, 1942, founded the Kalinga Bodong Dance Troupe and advocated traditional gong music, according to Lubuagan Tourism and Cultural Officer Ansherina Rose Odiem-Mosing.
‘We pray for comfort, strength, and healing for the whole family during this difficult time. May his legacy continue to inspire us all,’ she added.
His life was focused on preserving the traditional music, dance, and rituals of the Kalinga people, Mosing said.
His kin described his humorous stories, songs, and music as unique. They revered the way he shared and promoted Kalinga culture in the community and across the nation.
‘You raised us with love and simplicity, and your legacy will always live in us,’ they added.
Known as Kezu, Alonzo Sr. established the Awichon Cultural Village, a learning hub for teaching and promoting Kalinga culture to people, especially the youth and visitors.
The Lubuagan town government described Saclag’s contribution as ‘a lasting legacy of cultural preservation and inspiration for the Philippines’ indigenous communities.’
He was referred to as a ‘Kalinga master of dance and the performing arts’ who made it his mission to create and nurture greater consciousness and appreciation of Kalinga culture among the Kalingas and other communities.
The cultural icon was said to have had an ‘endless fascination with the sights and sounds of day-to-day village life and rituals,’ which he focused on promoting, along with the use of Kalinga musical instruments in the province.
Although he received no formal instruction in the performing arts, he mastered not only Kalinga musical instruments but also the dance patterns and movements associated with his people’s rituals, the Lubuagan tourism and cultural office noted.
He helped promote Kalinga gong or gangsa making, regarded as ‘a disappearing trade,’ to revive the craft.
With his help in lobbying, a museum in Lubuagan was also established.
He likewise formed the Kalinga Bodong Dance Troupe to ensure his knowledge of the performing arts would be passed on to others. He taught young i-Kalingas the music and dance of their ancestors, the office said.
‘Your dedication and efforts in preserving Kalinga’s rich cultural heritage will always be remembered,’ the Lubuagan town government said.