SUROY-Suroy sa Sugbo helped Asturias town in west Cebu improve its image as a hot spot for peace and order, said Mayor Alan Adlawan yesterday.
He said Asturias, which promotes its natural attractions like Lake Buswang, is developing as a tourist destination after the Suroy-Suroy began in midwest Cebu in 2006.
Busloads of 200 visitors stopped by the Asturias municipal hall, where a rondalla group played while guests had a barbecue lunch.
Adlawan said the town was looking at eco-tourism to develop new attractions for visitors.
The tour began in Balamban town with cultural performances. Visitors included He Shijing of the People’s Republic of China and his wife.
They were served the town’s specialty, Balamban liempo or roasted pork belly, before touring the shipbuilding compound of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries
Cebu Inc.
At noon, the caravan went to Asturias, where flowers were laid at the monument of Jose Rizal at the town plaza to mark the upcoming 150th birthday of the national hero.
In Tuburan, visitors snacked on pastillas and banana chips displayed in nipa huts inside the municipal hall. Some took a dip in the freshwater spring of Molobolo.
The first day of Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo Explore the Midwest caravan ended with a view of the sunset from Maravilla Beach in Tabuelan town.