Federico “Pedring” Caballero (1938–2024) was a highly respected cultural figure from the Sulod-Bukidnon tribe of Panay, Philippines. He was renowned for his work as an epic chanter and a Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure), a title he received in 2000. Caballero dedicated his life to preserving the ancient oral traditions of his community, particularly the “Sugidanon” epics, a set of ten epic poems told in a nearly extinct language related to Kinaray-a.
Growing up listening to his great-grandmother’s chants, Caballero became a key figure in documenting and reviving these epics, which were in danger of disappearing. His collaboration with researchers in the 1990s helped immortalize the rich oral literature of the Panay Bukidnon, including works like Labaw Donggon and Humadapnon. Caballero was also known for resolving local disputes as a manughusay or mediator, further contributing to the social cohesion of his community.
Caballero passed away August 17, 2024 at the age of 88. His death was marked by national mourning, including state funerary rituals, reflecting his profound influence on Filipino cultural heritage.
With the issuance of Proclamation 678 declaring September 3, 2024 as a Day of National Mourning over the passing of Caballero, signed by President Marcos on Monday, the national flag was flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset, in all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.
Senator Loren Legarda highlighted the importance of recognizing Caballero’s “indelible legacy” in preserving Filipino heritage.
She said Caballero, also known as “Nong Pedring,” kept the Sugidanon – the epic tales of Central Panay – alive and vibrant by faithfully chanting them in the Kinaray-a language, ensuring that the rich oral traditions of his people are passed down to future generations.
Legarda also committed to preserving the chants and traditions that the culture bearer safeguarded, to the best of her “resources, time, and capability.”
Here’s the full statement from the Senator:
Senator Loren Legarda on Proclamation No. 678 Declaring September 3 as a Day of National Mourning over the Passing of MB Federico Caballero – September 2, 2024
We thank President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for declaring a day of national mourning over the passing of Manlilikha ng Bayan Federico Caballero. Caballero, affectionately called “Nong Pedring,” recently passed away at the age of 88, leaving us an indelible legacy in the preservation of Filipino heritage. Nong Pedring kept the “Sugidanon,” or the epic tales of Central Panay, alive and vibrant by faithfully chanting them in the Kinaray-a language, ensuring that the rich oral traditions of his people are passed down to future generations. We urge our kababayans to join in recognizing the efforts of Nong Pedring and remember his contributions to our vibrant culture and heritage.
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