Virac, Catanduanes – In a gripping privilege speech delivered before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 17, 2025, Provincial Board Member (PBM) Edwin Tanael passionately called on local content creators to respect and uphold the dignity of Catanduanes and its people.
Expressing admiration for vloggers who showcase the province’s beauty and culture, PBM Tanael specifically commended content creator Jassie Tejada Bachiller for her engaging and informative online presence. However, while acknowledging her contributions, he made a firm yet respectful appeal—to use the proper term “Catandunganon” instead of the informal and inappropriate “Catanburaynon” Tanael pointed out the harmful implications of using “Catanburaynon,” a vulgar reference to the female genitalia.
Tanael emphasized that words shape perceptions and influence how Catandunganons are viewed by the world. While humor has its place, he stressed that it should not come at the expense of the province’s dignity, particularly when it involves terms that may carry offensive or misleading connotations.
“Catanduanes is home to a proud and God-fearing people, 98% of whom are Christians of various denominations. Our faith and values teach us to uphold decency, respect, and honor in all aspects of life, including how we represent ourselves in public discourse and social media,” he declared.
Rather than language that distorts or mocks identity, Tanael encouraged content creators to focus on uplifting narratives that celebrate Catanduanes’ rich dialects, traditions, and cultural heritage. He cited and appreciate some of the contents of Jassie such as; Lab-ogan nin Carabao, a cherished tradition symbolizing strength and resilience, as well as the Kudkudan ni May Conching, a humorous yet respectful take on local customs.
Tanael praised content that reflects the province’s history, courtship traditions, and breathtaking destinations, urging bloggers and vloggers to use their platforms to honor Catanduanes, rather than unintentionally diminish its legacy.
In closing, PBM Tanael expressed his gratitude once more to Ms. Batcheller and all digital creators, appealing to their kind hearts and sense of responsibility to use the correct term—Catandunganon—when referring to the province’s people.
“Let us work together to preserve the dignity of our beloved province,” he urged, calling for collective action to promote the true identity and honor of Catanduanes.
His speech resonated strongly within the session hall, earning nods of agreement from fellow legislators and concerned citizens. Whether this call to action will influence the province’s growing digital community remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Catanduanes’ identity is worth preserving, and its people deserve to be addressed with the respect they rightfully earn. (FB/BP NewsTeam)
