The centerpiece of the history of echague is the "Mengals", and this incredible hometown respected heroes and heroines. And every echagueño displayed remarkable courage and leadership who contributed to the community in times of change and conflict.

 Leading this is "Kapitan Tercero", one of the most notable mengal protector and a leader who embodies the remarkable character of courage, wisdom and service that he has shown in the history of echague- values ​​that encourage the new generation to emulate. In all, there are 14 honored mengals in the history of echague.

As per the legend, Capitan Tercero was born with extraordinary strength and power. Eventually, he was considered as the town hero. Capitan Tercero defended Camarag, before being named after Rafael de Echague y Bermingham in 1752, when intruders from the Cordilleras tried to invade the town. He did set up bait to trick the attackers. Then suddenly making the kill with his Kampilan.

generosepomelo. The Nearly Forgotten Gods of the North, The Yogad Tribe. 1 Feb. 2019, 

References: From printed materials at the MUNICIPAL CULTURAL and TOURISM OFFICE .

For the formal recognition of the notable mengal heroes, Municipal Resolution no.2016-054 was passed on August 1, 2016 authorized by Rodolfo B.Acosta, the sectoral representative of the indigenous people. And declared on the month of October entitled as the

 "Mengal Festival"-celebration that is commemorated every October and since then has become a significant event in Echague's cultural calendar. The Festival serves a multiple purposes, to celebrate the courage shown by our ancestors, to preserve our unique traditions and culture, to inspire civic pride and appreciation of our own culture, and to establish the identity of the town of Echague as the cultural tribe of the Yogad people.

   Mabuhay  Echague!