Samar execs: Gov’s money throwing during ‘kuratsa’ a cultural practice
TACLOBAN CITY—Samar officials and cultural heritage advocates have come to the defense of Gov. Sharee Ann Tan amid criticism over a viral video showing her dancing the “kuratsa,” a traditional Waray dance, while tossing money into the air.
The provincial government, in a statement, said the act of throwing peso bills, called “gala,” was part of a long-standing cultural tradition and not an extravagant display of wealth.
The Governor’s Office said the footage was taken during the Hermano Night of the Catbalogan City Fiesta on Aug. 23 at the Catbalogan Convention Center, which was hosted by Hermano Mayor Ruben Panaligan as part of the city’s annual feast of St. Bartholomew.
Be mindful of optics
The statement emphasized the gathering was neither a “lavish dinner” nor connected to any government project, but a practice deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the people of Samar and Leyte.
“It is in no way a display of luxury or wealth, but a tradition embedded in our way of celebrating faith and togetherness,” the Governor’s Office said.
The statement added that Tan was an invited guest and many attendees like her threw money during the dance. All proceeds, it said, were donated to local churches, including St. Bartholomew Parish Church, the Diocesan Marian Shrine of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary in Ubanon, and two chapels in Catbalogan City.
The video sparked debate on social media, with critics questioning the appropriateness of public officials engaging in such displays amid poverty and governance challenges.
The provincial government acknowledged these concerns, saying it respects public opinion that officials should be mindful of optics in similar activities.
“Governor Tan joins these cultural traditions not to display wealth or power, but to honor the Samarnon identity and support causes they represent,” the statement read, adding that the administration remains committed to transparency, accountability, and better public service delivery.
Joycie Dorado Alegre, a retired University of the Philippines Tacloban professor and former National Commission for Culture and the Arts commissioner, described kuratsa as an “iconic” traditional dance of Leyte and Samar.
