By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo provincial government announced plans to establish a School of Living Tradition (SLT) at Fernandez Perez Memorial National High School in Brgy. Datagan, Calinog, to honor the legacy of the late Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasure) Federico “Nong Pedring” Caballero.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, on behalf of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., presented the proposal to Caballero’s daughter, Rowena Caballero-Rafil, on September 5 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.
The presentation also included the turnover of ₱30,000 in financial assistance to the family. Banias was accompanied by Marice Andrea Bedonia from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Alain Russ Dimzon from the Provincial Administrator’s Office.
The SLT will aim to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Panay Bukidnon indigenous people, of which Caballero was a key figure. It will serve as a center to educate younger generations on the oral literature and indigenous practices of the Panay Bukidnon community, ensuring Caballero’s cultural contributions are remembered.
Known for safeguarding the “Sugidanon,” the ancient epic tales of Central Panay, Caballero was recognized as a Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2000 for his efforts in passing down these oral traditions.
Caballero passed away on August 17 at the age of 88 and was honored with a state funeral on September 3 in his hometown of Calinog, which was declared a National Day of Mourning by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Proclamation No. 678.
