YEARENDER: The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo 2008

CEBU - Suroy-Suroy Sugbo was pitched as “a leisurely journey around the Province of Cebu.”

It is the local tourism program of the provincial government which has five components – the Northern Escapade, the Southern Heritage Trail, Enchanting Camotes, the Urban Adventure, and Explore the Midwest.

In the Sinugbuano language, “Suroy-Suroy Sugbo” means “getting around Cebu”. Sugbo is the old name of the province.

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo was conceptualized in 2004 by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in the following year, the provincial government’s Tourism and Heritage Council took over. It has then given foreign and local visitors fresh and alternative sites of Cebu, other than the hustles and bustles of the metropolis.

The caravan headed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the tireless promoter of the said tourism event, brings in tourists to Cebu’s famous historical landmarks, serene beaches, delectable native delicacies, colorful festival dances, and natural attractions stretching throughout the 44 municipalities and seven cities of the province.

The first and the last Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, billed as the Southern Heritage Trail, was held last January 23 to 25 and November 21 to 23.

The tour covered the City of Talisay and 19 towns – Minglanilla, Naga, San Fernando, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Dumanjug, Barili, and Carcar.

The second caravan billed as the Northern Escapade was held last April 8 to 10. The tour covered two cities, Bogo and Danao, and 15 towns - Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Tabogon, Carmen, Sogod, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Madridejos, Borbon, Catmon, Liloan, Bantayan, and Sta. Fe.

On May 24-25, Suroy-Suroy Sugbo caravan headed to Camotes Island for what was considered as the most popular leg of the province’s tourism activity.

The Enchanting Camotes Tour, considered as the most popular among the five caravans, took guests to the towns of San Francisco, Tudela, Poro and Pilar.

The fourth caravan, the Urban Adventure Tour, was held last August 16 to 17 in the highly-urbanized cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, and in the town of Cordova.

The fifth Suroy-Suroy caravan, created by popular demand, is the Midwest Suroy-Suroy which was held last June 14 and 15. It covered the city of Toledo and the towns of Aloguinsan, Tuburan, Balamban, Pinamungajan, Asturias, and Barili.

Each tour package takes two to three days of travel and draws about an average of 200 participants – from prominent businessmen and personalities, balikbayans, and foreign tourists.

During the caravan, in every town, each guest is given souvenirs depending on the product of a certain town. Visitors enjoy delectable and unlimited food that one can even take home.

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo has opened up the entire province to tourism and has encouraged the towns and cities to enhance their culture and showcase their products as well as their own tourist spots.

It has also spurred the revival and emergence as well as the improvement of local festivals.

From less than 10 festivals in 2004, Cebu now holds the record for the most number of festivals, with about 44 celebrated across the province and culminated to the “Festival of All Festivals” celebration during the province’s founding anniversary.

Another benefit from Suroy-Suroy is enjoyed by resort operators who are experiencing a boost in room sales after the program included them in the itinerary.

With the governor’s unwavering support to make this tourism trail a success, she likewise gives credit to the local government units that do not only appreciate the program but also embrace it, as this also makes their towns and cities known.

The lady governor added that the participation of local chief executives and officials makes a very big difference as the towns would try to compete in terms of preparations — from the showcasing of their various products, the food they serve, their ritual dances, and other souvenir items.

Garcia further said that the warmth and hospitality, the smiles and enthusiasm by the Cebuanos, makes this tourism package truly unforgettable and allows participants to look ahead for the next Suroy-Suroy Sugbo caravan. — /MEEV (THE FREEMAN)