Revised Suroy-Suroy program to continue
THE Suroy Suroy rural tourism program of Cebu province will continue under a repackaged format that will draw more paying participants at less cost to host local government units (LGUs).
In yesterday’s 888 News Forum, acting Cebu Gov. Agnes Magpale said she explained the advantages of the Suroy Suroy program to incoming Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, who was first reluctant to pursue it.
Magpale said the host towns and cities will participate only on a voluntary basis.
“We know some mayors are reluctant to participate. I think that was where Davide heard about negative effects of the program,” said Magpale, who heads rs the Provincial Board (PB) tourism committee.
She led two legs of the Suroy Suroy in southern Cebu and in Camotes Islands this summer.
Magpale said the program was already made permanent in an ordinance passed by the PB.
“Tourism arrivals remained high and the entry of investors only enhanced tourist traffic,” she said.
She said Davide saw for himself the changes in the program compared to the previous management under suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Under the new tour packages, the focus was on the destinations and enjoyment of the guests traveling at a leisurely pace and with less operational cost to the Capitol.
“There are a lot more paying participants. Before there were many non-paying, so the revenue went up when more of them paid. Definitely the Camotes and Bantayan tours, we will continue that,” she added.
Mila Espina of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. , said the Suroy Suroy program was actually the initiative of the chamber which received support from the Capitol under Garcia’s administration.
“We are heartened that the program will still receive support from the provincial government. The Suroy Suroy exemplified countryside tourism,” she said.
Provincial Tourism Officer Mary Grace Paulino said they plan to hold the next edition of the tour around Cebu’s midwest towns in July or August. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos and Deputy Editor Stephen Capillas
