September 3 declared Day of National Mourning

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has declared Sept. 3 as a Day of National Mourning over the passing of Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) Federico Caballero.

“The death of Caballero is a great loss to our nation. It is appropriate to honor his outstanding commitment to the preservation of the Panay-Bukidnon cultural and artistic heritage,” Marcos said in Proclamation 678, which was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Caballero, a distinguished epic chanter, died on Aug. 17. He was 88.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts announced his passing on Facebook.

Yesterday, Philippine flags on all government buildings and installations throughout the country and abroad were flown at half-mast in honor of Caballero.