Governor denies lavish display of wealth in fiesta event
TAN (FB)
TACLOBAN CITY — Samar Gov. Sharee Ann Tan’s office defended her viral video taken during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan City Fiesta.
The governor slammed the alleged misleading reports of her dancing “Kuratsa,” a cultural tradition long practiced in Samar and Leyte.
“The footage was not taken during a "lavish dinner," nor was it connected to government programs or projects,” she explained.
Kuratsa is performed on many occasions such as weddings, birthdays, school events, and other community gatherings.
Part of the custom is the "gala" or money showering, which symbolizes generosity and community spirit.
“It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth, but a practice deeply embedded in our way of celebrating faith and togetherness,” she added.
The governor’s camp said that she was a guest of the Hermano Mayor who took part in the Kuratsa as part of the celebration.
She added that all proceeds from the gala were donated to the Saint Bartholomew Parish Church, the Diocesan Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish of Ubanon, the Our Lady of Ransom Chapel of Barangay Mercedes, and the Our Lady of Salvation Chapel of Canlapwas, all in Catbalogan City.
“Gov. Tan joins these cultural traditions not to display wealth or power, but to honor the Samarnon identity and to support the causes they represent, in this case, the local church and its communities."