President Ferdinand Marcos declared Sept. 3, 2024, a Day of National Mourning, to honor Manlilikha ng Bayan (National Living Treasures) awardee Federico Caballero.
The proclamation, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, highlights the nation’s collective loss, stating that Caballero’s passing is “a great loss to our nation,” and recognizes his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of the Panay Bukidnon community.
Caballero, who hails from Calinog, Iloilo, is a respected figure in the Panay Bukidnon community. He was recognized as a Manlilikha ng Bayan in 2000 for preserving the Sugidanon tradition, the epic stories of Central Panay.
Under Proclamation No. 678, the national flag will be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations, both in the Philippines and abroad.
According to Republic Act No. 8491, also known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” the national flag is to be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of the interment of national order and decoration recipients.
Caballero died on August 17, 2024 at age 88. A state funeral was scheduled to be held in his honor in his hometown yesterday, according to a report by the Daily Guardian.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Federico Caballero, 88: Palace declares Sept. 3 as ‘Day of National Mourning’”
