Despite the demise of the renowned epic chanter in Panay Island, the tradition of the Sugidanon is bound to thrive.

This is the vow made by the offspring, friends, admirers, and followers of Manlilikha ng Bayan (MB) Federico Caballero, the master epic chanter from Calinog town, Province of Iloilo.

Caballero passed away on August 17, 2024 and was interred on September 3, 2024.

In honor of his contribution to the conservation and propagation of an oral tradition in Panay Island, the Philippine flag at the Calinog Public Plaza was brought to a half mast as well as in government agencies following the declaration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to observe every September 3 as a National Day of Mourning in memory of Caballero, strengthened through Proclamation No. 678.

In a necrological service done at Calinog Public Plaza, Caballero’s contribution to the community through the conservation and promotion of oral literature, the Sugidanon specially, was reminisced.

The funeral service was attended by his fellow Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts hopes that the tradition will continue to thrive in generations to come.

Caballero is best remembered for his loving and caring ways to his wife and three children; and his mastery and nurturing of ten epics - Tikum Kadlum, Amburukay, Derikaryong Pada, Balanakon, Kalampay, Pahagunong, Sinagnayan, Humadapan, Nagbuhis, and Alayaw, in a language close to Kinaray-a but is not spoken widely anymore. 

He was laid to rest in Barangay Garangan, Calinog.

TRADITIONAL RITUALS

In a post of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Panay Bukidnon community in Garangan held traditional funerary rituals to honor Caballero.

The rituals commenced in the morning of September 3, 2024 with the Daray and Haya, which provided an opportunity for the members of the Panay Bukidnon community to gather and grieve at the wake of Caballero.

“During this time, the preparation of Pangasi, a local rice wine, began for later ceremonial use. In the afternoon, a traditional eulogy known as Paghanduraw was presented by a community leader, highlighting MB Caballero's significant contributions as a master epic chanter and as a leader and mediator within the community. This eulogy was succeeded by the Pamalasan, where community elders contemplated the lessons and inspiration derived from the life and legacy of MB Caballero,” the NCCA post reads.

“As night fell, the previously prepared Pangasi was distributed among community members, serving as the principal drink throughout the ongoing rituals. The Pangasi was also offered to the spirits of the deceased and various classes of spirits, in accordance with the beliefs of the Panay Bukidnon,” it added.

“The funerary ceremonies for MB Federico Caballero included a series of Binanog performances, honoring the departed. The rituals reached their peak with an extended epic chanting that continued until the break of dawn today [September 3, 2024],” the post further said.

“Looking back on the remarkable life and works of Manlilikha ng Bayan Federico Caballero, we pay tribute to his steadfast commitment to the safeguarding and propagation of the oral traditions of Panay Bukidnon community, thereby enriching the cultural and artistic heritage of the nation. His tireless efforts have not only enriched the cultural tapestry of our nation but have also helped to safeguard the legacy of Philippine artistry, ensuring that future generations are aware of and inspired by these rich narratives,” NCCA said in concluding the post.

NCCA held a “Pagdadalamhati ng Bayan para kay Manlilikha ng Bayan Federico Caballero (State Necrological Services for MB Federico Caballero)” solemn event in Poblacion Ilaya, Calinog, Iloilo. The program culminated in military honors and the burial ceremony. 

(Additional info courtesy: National Commission for Culture and the Arts)