Isiah Gabriel A.

Arcos
STEM 12 – YA-1P
Federico Caballero (December 25, 1938 - Present)
Quick Introduction
Epic-chanter Federico Caballero, who originates from Kalinog
Iloilo and the Central Panay mountains, has devoted his life to
preserving his people's oral literature and epics. He inspired and
preserved Panay's rich folklore. Caballero is recognized as a
bantugan or someone who has attained distinction in his
community, for his tireless work on behalf of the preservation of
Panay's oral traditions in collaboration with artists, academics, and
cultural advocates.

Reasons for choosing GAMABA awardee, Federico Caballero

First of all, I would like to give my appreciation to other GAMABA awardees as they are as
amazing, as talented, and as excellent as Mr. Federico Caballero. I chose Federico Caballero because I’ve
always been interested in regional fiction stories such as epics, legends, mythos, and fables and Mr. Federico
devoted his life to preserving his people’s culture which I appreciate a lot. Someone that passionately and
patiently documented the epics and literature of his people is someone that I truly respect with all my heart.
For me, he truly deserved to be a Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) awardee as not only he was
able to preserve the art of his people, but he also went on the extra mile of working together with artists,
scholars, and advocates.
About Federico Caballero
 Known as Nong Pedring
 Panay-Bukidnon from the mountains of Central Panay
 Documented oral literature and epics of his people
 Constitute an encyclopedic folklore that only the most gifted disciples can learn
 He meticulously worked with artists, scholars, and advocates to piece together the elements of the
oral tradition of his people

Early Life
His personal passion for the folklore of his people dates back to his early years. His mother would
sing an episode to his siblings and brothers to help them go to sleep while the hammock gently swayed. His
Anggoy Omil, his great-great-grandmother, would occasionally sing the epics. Nong Pedring recalls how he
used to rub up against them as they held his smaller siblings, imagining himself as the brave men and lovely
women of their stories.
Each night, he discovered more about the places their adventures had taken them, whether it was to
enchanted caves inhabited by charming inhabitants or the underworld to save an innocent prisoner from an
evil creature. And the more he discovered, the more fascinated he grew.

Life as an Epic-chanter
His interest blossomed organically into a determination to master the epics for himself. This
encouraged him to display a nearly entrepreneurial side, as he would volunteer to do chores like collecting
Isiah Gabriel A. Arcos
STEM 12 – YA-1P
water from the river, grinding rice, or pulling kaingin grass in exchange for being taught how to chant an
epic.
Nong Pedring carried on the tradition after his mother and Anggoy had died, working with
researchers to record what is known as the Humadapnon and Labaw Dunggon epics. Although with the
disapproval of his three children, he still persevered in his passion.
Struggles as an Epic Chanter
He decides to accept responsibility for making things right. He works for the Bureau of
Nonformal Education and visits different barangays to persuade the elderly about the importance and
advantages of reading and writing. Although he was greeted warmly in those places, the older people
generally didn’t feel that there is a need to learn a new skill. In addition, they don't think much of it.
He makes a proposal to them by explaining that their assistance is needed to record their indigenous
literature, traditions, and beliefs. Once the paperwork is finished, instructing the younger generation,
especially those who have shown interest, is easy and straightforward.

Works
As a culture bearer, he painstakingly persevered in the documentation of the 10 Panay Bukidnon epics
which were rendered in a language that, though no longer spoken, is related to Kinaray-a.
1. Tikum Kadlum
2. Amburukay
3. Derikaryong Pada
4. Balanakon
5. Kalampay Sugidanon
6. Pahagunong
7. Sinagnayan
8. Humadapnon
9. Nagbuhis
10. Alayaw

His Legacy
As a dispute arbitrator, Nong Pedring seeks to bring justice to the community in his own unique way.
Before the establishment of the municipal government system, arbiters like him were used to settle disputes
between neighbors, families, and real estate. Even now, the barangay leaders in his Garangan home want
him to assist in settling these issues. Nong Pedring is willing to help and thinks that this is the best course of
action. He believes that disputes should be discussed by all parties involved at the local government level.
His impact goes far beyond the confines of his neighborhood. He is regarded as a bantugan, a person
of distinction. Nong Pedring has the heart of a scholar, according to Dr. Alicia Magos, a reputable folklorist
from the University of the Philippines in the Visayas who collaborated with him on the documentation
project. He recognized her goals for Panay-Bukidnon culture.
Federico Caballero was conferred the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan award in 2000 for his expertise
in the Sugidanon, the epics of Central Panay.
Isiah Gabriel A. Arcos
STEM 12 – YA-1P