Federico Caballero

Federico Caballero (December 25, 1935 – August 17, 2024) was a Filipino chanter of Philippine epic poetry. Caballero was a recipient of the National Living Treasures Award.

Early life Born on December 25, 1935,

Caballero, who was also called Nong Pedring, learned about epics from his mother and his grandmother, Anggoy Omil who would chant these to him and his siblings as a lullaby. When Anggoy and his mother died, he went on to continue the traditions and documented these epics which are referred to as the Labaw Dunggon and Humadapnon epics with researchers. He worked with the Bureau of Nonformal Education, to teach people how to read and write and would promote the tradition of epic chanting despite the initial objection of his children.

Personal life and death Caballero was married to Lucia, a binukot, a title similar to a princess in Panay-Bukidnon tradition and had three children. He was accorded a state funeral on September 3, while a day of national mourning was declared in honor of him by President Bongbong Marcos that same day.