Manlilikha ng Bayan Alonzo Saclag dies at 83

Manlilikha ng Bayan Alonzo Ayatu Saclag, a master of Kalinga dance and music, has passed away at the age of 83.

He was honored as a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in 2000 for his work in safeguarding Kalinga indigenous art.

Saclag founded the Kalinga Bodong Dance Troupe and advocated traditional gong music, focusing his life on preserving the traditional music, dance, and rituals of the Kalinga people.

His son recalled that a week before his death, Saclag expressed a desire to entertain but needed to rest, which appeared to be a premonition.

The cause of his death was not disclosed by his relatives.