CEBU, Philippines - Politicians running for national posts who joined the Suroy Suroy Sugbo – Southern Heritage Trail want the program to be implemented in other parts of the country.
Vice presidential aspirant Loren Legarda and senatorial candidates Gwen Pimental and Gilbert Remulla said the program is beneficial to Cebu, as it has helped bring in tourists into the province.
Legarda described the Suroy Suroy Sugbo as a “unique approach” to attract local and foreign visitors. She said the province can expect her continued support to the program.
Legarda joined the Suroy Suroy Sugbo in Samboan, Ginatilan, Alegria, Badian and Moalboal.
Pimentel, for her part, said she joined the Suroy Suroy Sugbo because of the invitation of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. She said the program is in line with her father’s advocacy to enable local government units to implement programs that benefit the people.
Pimentel is the daughter of Senator Aquilino Pimentel. The Senator is considered to be the father of the Local Government Code of 1991.
“Nindot kaayo ang gihimo ni Gobernador Garcia gumikan kay makapalambo man kini sa turismo sa usa ka lungsod,” Pimentel said.
Remulla, a former broadcast journalist, said he intends to provide “full support” to Garcia’s programs that promote tourism.
Legarda, Pimentel, and Remulla are seeking support from Garcia’s One Cebu Party.
Lakas presidential bet Gilberto Teodoro also joined the first day of the Suroy Suroy Sugbo, but had to beg off in the second day because of an engagement in Manila. He is expected to return to Cebu today for the presidential forum organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Asked if she will be supporting Legarda, Pimental and Remulla, Garcia merely said, “Makita man tingali ninyo and akong dagway ingon man akong mga pahiyom.”
The One Cebu Party already expressed support to Teodoro. In fact, at least 30 governors and mayors across the province have announced their support to the former defense secretary.
They expressed their support through a manifesto, which they handed over to Teodoro in Argao.
The second day of the Southern Heritage Trail started in Oslob and proceeded to Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria,Badian and Moalboal. The third day will cover the towns of Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjug, Barili, and Carcar City.
A closing program will be held in Talisay City.
More than 300 visitors, some of them balikbayans and foreigners joined the Suroy Suroy. — Jose P. Sollano/JMO (FREEMAN NEWS)