Suroy Suroy lauded

CEBU, Philippines —  Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has lauded the success of the recently-concluded “Suroy Suroy Sugbo” program of the Cebu provincial government.

“For me, Cebu’s Suroy Suroy Sugbo is the best representation of why there is reason to hope in the prosperity of tourism in the Philippines,” said Frasco in a post on the department’s Facebook page.

In Cebuano, "Suroy-Suroy Sugbo" translates to "getting around Cebu," Sugbo being the old name of the province.

Frasco graced the concluding ceremony of the three-day Suroy Suroy Sugbo which was held in Liloan, Cebu, her hometown, where she was the former mayor.

In her visit to her hometown, Frasco was joined by the regional directors for them to personally experience one of Cebu’s grandest events which will now be replicated as a national tourism program by the DOT called “The Philippine Experience.”

“I am sure that you have seen with your own eyes, tasted this in the food that has been prepared, and feasted on it with the festivals, you have felt the love of all Cebuanos for their culture and their willingness to welcome you into their homes,” the tourism chief said in her speech.

Taking inspiration from Suroy Suroy Sugbo, the Philippine Experience will highlight the Filipino brand and identity in all aspects of the travel and tourism experience which will facilitate cultural tourism circuit development focused on heritage, culture, and arts to enhance current tour and domestic circuit offerings, which include thematic experiences on Food and Gastronomy, Pilgrimage and Wellness, Festivals, Living Cultures and Heritage, and the Arts.

It will also link key destinations to lesser-known destinations and expand the country’s tourism portfolio that includes sun and beach offerings, nature-based tourism, diving, food, education, health, MICE, and farm tourism.

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo is a flagship tourism program of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, the mother of Frasco. It that has seen its success over the years since its implementation in 2005 by giving each town the opportunity to showcase their unique tourism offerings, including destinations, festivals, food, and products through a preview of the towns prepared by the LGUs and local tourism stakeholders and residents.

The recent Suroy Suroy Sugbo was attended by some 900 participants, including House Deputy Speaker Duke Frasco and DOT officials like Undersecretary Shahlimar  Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary Myra Abubakar, OIC Undersecretary Secretary Verna Buensuceso, Assistant Secretary Rica Bueno, and all DOT regional directors.

Fifteen local government units (LGUs) were also in attendance, including Capitol, Consolacion, Compostela, Carmen, Tobogon, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remegio, Santa Fe, Madridejos, Bantayan, City of Bogo, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon, and Liloan. — JMD (FREEMAN)