Epic chanter Federico Caballero dies; 85
National Living Treasure awardee Federico Caballero of Calinog, Iloilo, died Aug. 17, age 85.
An epic chanter of the Panay-Bukidnon of Central Panay, Caballero was given the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (Gamaba, or National Living Treasures) award in 2000 by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
He was one of 25 traditional folk artists given such recognition from its inception in 1992 through Republic Act No. 7355, which acknowledges folk artists from the various ethnolinguistic groups in the country.
The award is on par with the Order of National Artists, Order of National Scientists and Order of National Social Scientists.
Once proclaimed as such, an awardee receives a monetary award, lifetime stipend, medical benefits and state funeral, among others.
The NCCA paid tribute to Caballero in its announcement of his passing, describing him as a dedicated man of tradition.
“Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to the practice, transmission and documentation of the oral literature of his community, particularly the sugidanon, which comprises 10 epics,” it said.
“Alongside scholars, artists and cultural advocates, he meticulously reconstructed the nearly lost elements of this oral heritage,” the NCCA added.
Indelible legacy
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples also paid tribute to Caballero, saying that “his unwavering dedication to preserving the Sugidanon epics has left an indelible legacy for future generations.”
Sen. Loren Legarda, a staunch advocate of the preservation and safeguarding of Philippine culture and the arts, condoled with Caballero’s family and the whole Panay-Bukidnon community.
“We have lost a National Treasure, but I am hoping that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” she said.
“I commit to preserving the chants and traditions he so lovingly safeguarded, to the best of my resources, time and capability,” she added.
The sugidanon is composed of 10 epics and chanted in a language related to Kinaray-a, most likely an archaic version.
Its chanter, like Caballero, is called manugsugidanon. The epics are performed in a poetic language called ligbok.
According to NCCA, the sugidanon “represents an expansive folklore that demands unwavering commitment and exceptional talent to master.”
That resoluteness and outstanding talent was Caballero, an icon of epic chanting of the diverse ethnolinguistic landscape of the Philippines.
