National Living Treasures: Ferdico Caballero

Stories are the lifeblood of a people, offering a window into their thoughts, beliefs, and desires. They encapsulate the essence of humanity, weaving through civilizations across time and place. As African writer Ben Okri noted, poisoning a people’s stories is akin to poisoning their lives. This truth is evident in the Tagalog folklore of a mythical hero destined to liberate the nation, a tale exploited by Spanish colonizers to pacify the people and suppress rebellion. Yet, stories also have the power to awaken dormant senses and inspire change, as history and individual insight attest.

This realization drives Federico Caballero, a Panay-Bukidnon from Central Panay, to tirelessly document the oral literature of his people, particularly their ten epics. These epics, written in a language no longer spoken, form an encyclopedic folklore that only the most dedicated and gifted can master. With the help of scholars and cultural advocates, Nong Pedring, as he is affectionately called, works to preserve this nearly lost tradition.

His love for folklore began in childhood, listening to his mother and great-great-grandmother chant epics to lull his siblings to sleep. These tales of heroes like Labaw Dunggon and Humadapnon, set in enchanted caves and underworlds, captivated his imagination. Determined to learn the epics himself, he struck deals with his Anggoy Omil, offering to fetch water or pull grass in exchange for lessons. His dedication paid off, and he mastered all ten epics and other oral traditions.

After the passing of his mother and Anggoy, Nong Pedring continued the tradition, collaborating with researchers to document the epics. Despite his siblings’ shared gift, he alone persevered, even in the face of his children’s disapproval. Many in his community, including his children, feel no pride in their Panay-Bukidnon heritage, a sentiment shaped by historical prejudice and intolerance. Nong Pedring, however, remains committed to preserving their culture.

He works with the Bureau of Nonformal Education, encouraging elders to learn to read and write so they can document their beliefs, traditions, and literature. This, he believes, will make it easier to teach younger generations. The epics, he explains, address timeless themes, from family relations to environmental stewardship. For instance, the epic Tikung Kadlum teaches the importance of justice through the story of a man who angers a witch by cutting down a sacred tree, leading to a demand for his daughters’ lives in retribution.

Nong Pedring also serves as a manughusay, or arbiter, resolving conflicts within his community. He believes in addressing disputes locally rather than rushing to court, which he sees as costly and divisive. His influence extends beyond his community, earning him the title bantugan, or distinguished person. Dr. Alicia Magos, a folklorist who has worked with him, praises his scholarly dedication and shared vision for preserving Panay-Bukidnon culture.

Despite criticism and adulation, Nong Pedring remains steadfast. He continues his work, traveling between his mountain home and Iloilo City, driven by a deeper triumph: his family’s renewed pride in their heritage. For Nong Pedring, this is the ultimate reward, a reason to carry on his mission of preserving the stories and traditions of his people.