Christmas is the time most local governments in the Philippines show how much they care by doing feeding programs. (Because people only need to eat at Christmas time, apparently?)
But a banner of a feeding program in the province of Laguna is getting attention for all the wrong reasons.
A photo of it was posted on Facebook yesterday and boy, did it catch the eyes of netizens. The program’s name? “Gift giving, cum feeding.”
Yes, you read that right.
GMA News called provincial governor Ramil Hernandez and asked him if they knew what they meant by using the word “cum” on their poster.
A page manager replied in Tagalog, “what we mean by “cum” is “come with.”
The head of the Gender and Development Program Arlet Estrosa echoed this as her understanding of the word “cum.”
To be fair, in Latin, “cum” does mean “with,” like in the term cum laude (with honors). It’s probably more frequently used to refer to the act of ejaculating, though.
When asked if Estrosa knew of the more common meaning, she said “Oh, no.” She added, “We really don’t know any other meaning. No one else here knows how else it’s used.”
Well, she said after seeing Facebook reactions to the poster, she wouldn’t use the word ever again.
But it was too late because netizens already commented some writing tips.
Bryl Yucaran said in his post “Writing also requires choosing your words for your audience. The Latin word “cum” may mean “with” in English (like cum laude or with honors), but it may also mean different to others who are not familiar with the term used.”
Netizen Richard Leo Borromeo Ramos said in his Facebook post, “that’s why it’s important to have good writers and editors.”
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155448496773920&set=a.269823738919.140314.520133919&type=3&theater
Of course, some netizens just couldn’t help but poke fun at the flop.
Netizen Mong Palatino tweeted “how to describe Duterte’s new tax package: ‘gift giving, cum feeding'”
how to describe duterte’s new tax package:
“gift giving
cum feeding”— mong palatino (@mongster) December 20, 2017
This one is just…
Gift giving cum feeding daw sa Laguna. Maloka ka pag dance party cum swimming. Choz. Hahaha!
— Jeff Crisostomo (@jeffcrisostomo) December 20, 2017
Anyway, we’ll let it go this time. But general rule, if you just mean “with” why not use that word? Let’s keep things simple, friends.
Have a good Christmas cum — err — with lots of joy and laughter!
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