TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- Gov. James S. Edduba has issued an executive order directing the half-mast display of the Philippine flag on all government buildings in this province on Thursday, Dec. 4, to honor the late National Living Treasure (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan) Alonzo Ayutu Saclag Sr.
The order recognizes the province’s deep mourning over the passing of Saclag, an esteemed cultural master whose lifelong dedication preserved and promoted Kalinga’s indigenous music, dance, rituals, and heritage.
Widely respected as a cultural guardian, Saclag’s legacy has brought national and international recognition to the people of Kalinga.
Edduba cited the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (RA 8491), which mandates the half-mast display of the Philippine flag as a sign of mourning on the day of interment of National Artists and National Living Treasures.
“In honoring National Living Treasure Alonzo Saclag Sr., we honor the soul of Kalinga’s culture itself,” the order stated.
Under Section 1 of the Executive Order, all government buildings in the province are instructed to fly the national flag at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on Dec 4, the scheduled day of Saclag’s internment.
Saclag, 83, passed away on Nov. 29.
He was honored with the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Living Treasures Award in 2000.
Saclang founded the Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe to pass down his knowledge of the performing arts to the next generation.