ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — The executive director of the Kalimudan Festival issued a public apology following widespread online backlash for targeting a local citizen who criticized the provincial government’s use of generative artificial intelligence in official promotional materials.
Kaharudin Dalaten, who also serves as chief of staff to the governor of Sultan Kudarat, personally visited resident Frenzy Caburao and her family after publicly retaliating against her social media critique.
The dispute arose after Caburao questioned festival organizers for using artificial intelligence to generate maps and graphics for the annual cultural event, scheduled for Nov. 19 to 22 in Isulan.
Dalaten initially responded by publishing a social media post featuring a photograph of Caburao side by side with the disputed artwork. Social media users condemned the response, characterizing it as public shaming and an abuse of official authority.
Critics emphasized that public officials should accept feedback professionally, particularly in a region recognized for its community of traditional artists, writers, and musicians.
In a formal statement released after deleting the post, Dalaten took full responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that citizens had a legitimate right to question government output.
"I was wrong to make the disagreement personal," Dalaten said. "I wanted to defend the person behind the artwork, but I let my emotions get the better of me. That does not excuse what I said or how I acted."
Dalaten emphasized that his online actions reflected his personal views rather than the official stance of the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat.
Organizers clarified that while the promotional map originated from human artwork, it was subsequently supplemented using generative software.
Dalaten committed to exercising restraint when handling future public feedback, noting that his in-person meeting was only a preliminary step toward demonstrating professional accountability.
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