National mourning declared for National Treasure Caballero

PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. has declared September 3 as a Day of National Mourning following the passing of Manlilikha ng Bayan or National Treasure Federico Caballero who promoted the preservation of the Panay Bukidnon cultural and artistic heritage, particularly the use of Sugidanon or the traditional chanting of stories.

The President, in issuing Proclamation No. 678, instructed that the national flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad.

“The death of Manlilikha ng Bayan Federico Caballero is a great loss to our nation, and it is appropriate to honor his outstanding commitment to the preservation of the Panay Bukidnon cultural and artistic heritage,” Marcos said.

Caballero, of the Panay Bukidnon community in Calinog, Iloilo, was conferred the Manlilikha ng Bayan, or National Living Treasure, award in 2000 in recognition of his expertise in the Sugidanon or the epics of Central Panay, and commitment on the safeguarding and propagation of the Sugidanon tradition of his community.

Sugidanon is the chanting of stories or narratives that reflect the existing customary laws, beliefs, practices, and values of the Panay Bukidnon ancestors.

Republic Act No 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” provides that the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places where it is displayed, on the day of interment of the recipient of national order and decoration.