The episode caused controversy after residents felt that it portrayed a woodcarver’s creation in a negative light.
On Sunday, November 1, GMA’s Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho aired its annual Halloween special entitled Gabi ng Lagim XIV.
During which, it featured woodcarver Pio Fadul for the segment entitled Ukit, which alleged that Lily band member Nathan Reyes had paranormal experiences tied to a wooden carving by Fadul.
Two days later, on Tuesday, November 3, the Sangguniang Bayan ng Paete (town council) passed Resolution No. 166, which demanded explanation and clarification for what they called as “inaccurate description of the artistic heritage of woodcarving in Paete.”
“Sa pamamagitan ng resolusyong ito, hinihiling ng Sangguniang Bayan sa GMA Network at sa pamunuan ng KMJS ang isang pampublikong paglilinaw, taos-pusong paghingi ng paumanhin sa Bayan ng Paete at sa pamilya ni G. Pio Fadul, gayundin ang nararapat na pagtugon at pagkilos kaugnay ng usaping ito,” it said.
They also emphasized that responsible journalism, proper context, and respect in the culture, beliefs, and identity of every citizen.
“Ang sining ng pag-uukit ay hindi lamang hanapbuhay ng mga Paeteño, ito ay bahagi ng ating kasaysayan, kultura, at pagkakakilanlan bilang ‘The Carving Capital of the Philippines’,” it continued. “Patuloy nating pangalagaan ang dangal ng ating bayan at ang pamana ng mga Paeteño para sa susunod na henerasyon.”
In response, the long-running newsmagazine show produced by GMA Public Affairs, also issued a statement.
They said, “Iginagalang namin ang husay at sining ni Ginoong Pio Fadul at ng mga mang-uukit ng Paete. Kaya nang makarating sa amin ang salaysay tungkol sa mga karanasang iniugnay sa isa sa kanyang mga ukit, nakipag-ugnayan kami sa kanya at sa kanyang pamilya upang makuha ang kanilang panig.”
According to them, the episode also featured Fadul’s works and his talent as a woodcarver, along with his clarification that his works are not infested with malevolent elements.
The show also interviewed the Paete Historical and Cultural Heritage Foundation Inc., which noted that the industry of woodcarving is an integral part of the town’s livelihood and faith, and is something that should not be feared, including Fadul’s other works or the Ukit Paete in general.
“Nauunawaan namin na maaaring makaapekto ang ulat sa industriya ng pag-uukit sa Paete, at hindi namin layuning makasira sa tiwala sa kanilang sining at kabuhayan,” the program continued.
Thus, they have reacted out to Fadul amd his family to discuss their concerns. Furthermore, they also apologizrd to them and the rest of the Paete woodcarving industry.
“Nirerespeto at pinahahalagahan namin ang kanilang reputasyon, kabuhayan, at pamanang kultural. Maraming salamat po.” the statement concluded.
