"It's for charity"
Governor Sharee Ann Tan has defended her participation in a traditional kuratsa dance during the Catbalogan City Fiesta after a video showing her tossing peso bills went viral and sparked criticism online.
The footage, recorded during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan Fiesta, circulated widely on social media over the weekend.
It showed the governor joining the customary kuratsa, a Waray folk dance often accompanied by the “gala” or money shower, where guests toss bills as a symbolic gesture of generosity and communal support.
The video quickly drew mixed reactions.
Some netizens described the act as “extravagant” and “insensitive,” particularly for a public official in a province still grappling with poverty.
Others defended the performance as a cultural expression that critics may have misunderstood.
In a statement released Monday, August 25, the Provincial Government of Samar clarified that the event was a private gathering organized by Hermano Mayor Ruben Panaligan, not a government-sponsored dinner.
Officials stressed that no public funds were spent and that the proceeds from the dance were intended for churches in Catbalogan City, including St. Bartholomew Parish, the Diocesan Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (Ubanon), Our Lady of Ransom Chapel in Barangay Mercedes, and Our Lady of Salvation Chapel in Canlapwas.
“The kuratsa is a cultural expression deeply rooted in the Waray tradition. It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth but rather an affirmation of generosity and support for the community,” the governor’s office said.
While Governor Tan has not issued a direct apology, her office acknowledged public sentiments about optics and political accountability, saying it “respects the people’s concerns” and would continue to uphold transparency.
Observers noted that the controversy reflects a growing tension between cultural practices and modern political scrutiny.
Once seen simply as a joyful folk tradition, the kuratsa—when performed by a governor—has become the subject of debate about privilege, propriety, and the image of local leaders.
For now, the governor’s clarification has eased some concerns, particularly among fiesta organizers and church beneficiaries.
But the incident underscores how quickly cultural gestures can take on political overtones in the social media age, where a few seconds of video can trigger national debate.
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