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CRUSADE FOR KALINGA
Alonzo Saclag was recognized as a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardee or National Living Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2000. He continued his commitment for culture preservation after obtaining the honor.
Saclag had mastered dancing and performing arts, not just with musical instruments, but also the motions and dance patterns related with their ceremonies.
Exemplary Talent
Awichon Village
Saclag owned hectares of land in Lubuagan and developed it into what is now called Awichon, a cultural village and park. It started as a dream town in which he hoped to replicate one similar to those he recalled from his childhood. He has now established a village where people can learn about and experience the rich culture of the Kalinga. The village has native homes, a collection of indigenous instruments including the gong, bamboo flute, and other artifacts. Visitors may even try on Kalinga clothing and lodge in the village for overnight stays. When there are guests, there are often cultural performances.
Environmental Care
Saclag has handed the duty of establishing a canopy of trees and other plants to the people of his village, supplying the seeds himself, just as he did years before to combat erosion and other calamities.
Efforts to Historical Preservation
1. Artifacts and Archaeological Sites
Saclag devotes a lot of his attention to various conservation activities. For years, he has persuaded his community to protect their artifacts and archaeological sites. Their artifacts provide insight into their daily lives so that not solely their unwritten rules and epics record their accomplishments as an indigenous community.
2. Lubuagan Branch of National Museum
Saclag persuaded the provincial government for two years to obtain resources to renovate the abandoned Capitol Building into a museum to preserve the Kalinga culture. His perseverance was rewarded when the Lubuagan branch of the National Museum was founded with the help of the province government and other sponsors.
School Campaigning
The efforts of Saclag have extended to various schools, where he meets with officials to discuss various matters concerning conservation. The tradition of children wearing the Kalinga costume for key school occasions like graduation and First Communion is one notable effect of his efforts. He performs skits, teaches folk music, and gives other artistic presentations in various schools to promote indigenous traditions.
Traditional Kalinga Music on Radio
Saclag fought in the early years for the local radio station to broadcast traditional Kalinga music alongside current music.
Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe
Saclag founded the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe to ensure that his expertise of the performing arts would be passed on to others. He delegates the young men and women who come to him with teaching them about the dance and music of their ancestors.