Privilege Speech of Senator Loren Legarda: Manlilikha ng Bayan Federico Caballero

Privilege Speech of Senator Loren Legarda
Manlilikha ng Bayan Federico “Nong Pedring” Caballero
August 27, 2024 | Session Hall, Senate of the Philippines

Mr. President,

We are gathered here today in solemn remembrance of a beloved father, community leader, epic chanter, and an icon of cultural heritage not only for his community but for the nation — Manlilikha ng Bayan Federico Caballero, who we lovingly call Nong Pedring.

Nong Pedring is a national cultural treasure whose life’s work has left an indelible mark on our nation’s heritage. As an awardee of the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2000, he was the embodiment of dedication to the Panay-Bukidnon community, keeping the Sugidanon or the epic tales of Central Panay alive and vibrant by faithfully chanting them in the Kinaray-a language. His commitment to safeguarding the ten Panay epic stories has ensured that the rich oral traditions of his people will be passed down to future generations.

From a tender age, Nong Pedring was deeply moved by the epic stories chanted by his mother and great-great-grandmother. His love for his people’s folklore was nurtured in these moments, growing into a profound dedication that would define his life. His vigorous efforts to master the epic stories of the Panay Bukidnon were fueled by an earnest desire to keep these stories alive in the hearts and minds of his people. He worked closely with scholars and educational institutions, to transcribe the oral narratives, which are now known as the Sugidanon, a series made up of 10 volumes, published by the University of the Philippines.

Mr. President,

Meeting Nong Pedring in person was very memorable, hearing the chants that have been carried on for ages since the days of our ancestors and being touched by the stories whose evolutions and journeys were shaped by time, skill, love, and sacrifices. These were featured in my television documentary series, Dayaw, in 2020. It was a privilege to share his story with a broader audience and highlight the depth of his wisdom and the love he bore for his cultural heritage. It is an honor to be a storyteller for a great storyteller, and in several ways, I am humbled to become part of the stories as you are all.

His passing is a significant loss, but the legacy he leaves behind as a guardian of our nation’s cultural wealth will forever be cherished. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to all who were touched by his remarkable life. Ang amin pong taos-pusong pakikiramay sa pamilya, sa komunidad at sa lahat ng mga naging bahagi ng makabuluhang buhay ni Nong Pedring.

Mr. President,

Inialay ni Nong Pedring ang buong buhay niya upang huwag mabaon sa limot ang mga makabuluhang epiko ng Panay-Bukidnon. Sa kanyang pagtawid sa kabilang buhay, nasa ating mga kamay ang tungkulin na panatilihing nag-aalab ang diwa ng pagmamahal sa ating kultura. Pinagdiriwang natin ang kanyang buhay at pamana na nagpapatuloy hangga’t mayroong umaawit at nagsasalaysay.

Before I end my speech, I would like to take a moment to invite everyone to watch the video presentation in honor of our national cultural treasure, showcasing the rich cultural legacy he leaves behind.

Nobility lies in a life lived with love and sacrifice, and that is how our Manlilikha ng Bayan lived. May you rest in nobility, Nong Pedring.

Thank you, Mr. President.