Western Visayas’ first Manlilikha ng Bayan laid to rest

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By Mariela Angella Oladive

The nation bid farewell to Federico “Nong Pedring” Caballero, the first recipient of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or National Living Treasures Award from Western Visayas, as he was laid to rest in his hometown of Calinog, Iloilo, on September 3.

Caballero, an epic chanter and culture bearer of the Sulod-Bukidnon tribe in Central Panay, passed away on August 17 at the age of 88.

In recognition of his contributions to Philippine culture, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared September 3 a National Day of Mourning.

Through Proclamation 678, the national flag was flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the country, as mandated by Republic Act 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Caballero was renowned for his expertise in Sugidanon, the epics of Central Panay—a rich oral tradition he tirelessly worked to preserve.

Despite the challenges posed by a language no longer widely spoken, he collaborated with researchers to document and revive the Panay Bukidnon epics of Humadapnon and Labaw Donggon.

He was also a manughusay, or arbiter of conflicts, helping to resolve local disputes and maintain the social fabric of his community.

His contributions are documented in the book “Sugidanon,” published by the University of the Philippines Press. Caballero’s upper male jacket, adorned with panubok—the traditional embroidery of the Panay Bukidnon featuring designs derived from the environment—is displayed at the Manlilikha ng Bayan Hall at the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., in a eulogy delivered during the necrological service by Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias, praised Caballero’s lifelong dedication to safeguarding the stories and traditions of the Panay Bukidnon.

“Nong Pedring, known as a great epic chanter, inherited and preserved the stories of the Panay Bukidnon, the epics that spread our culture. In dedicating his life to preserving these epics, most of which are no longer heard, he passed on to us the stories that nurtured the soul of our ancestors,” Banias read on behalf of Defensor.

“Nong Pedring was a voice that called upon us not to forget our roots.”

Defensor highlighted Caballero’s legacy of humility, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to cultural preservation.

“His words and actions broadened our understanding of the importance of recognizing and preserving our own culture. Though he is no longer with us, his stories will continue to light our way.”

As the province mourns the loss of a cultural giant, Caballero’s life mission to preserve and propagate the Sugidanon tradition remains a beacon for all who value the rich cultural heritage of Panay.

The nation grieves the passing of a true national treasure, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of the Philippines.