Suroy-Suroy Sugbo: Governor wants reduced tour package rates

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia aims to reduce the tour package rates for Suroy-Suroy Sugbo to accommodate more guests, especially those with limited budgets.

Garcia plans to negotiate with resort operators and owners to lower accommodation prices.

During a live Facebook conference on January 3, Garcia said, "Lain lain man ta'g presyo, pero suwayan nako nga..mangayo kog discounts sa mga resorts nga tagai mi'g discounts kay total maayo man ni og kada adlaw, para man ni once a year, makabawi man mo ana sa pagpapromote sa inyong mga rooms."

The tour package rates for Suroy-Suroy Sugbo depend on the chosen accommodation.

In previous events, the prices started at P11,000 for a three-day package, which includes accommodation, food, transportation, accredited Department of Tourism (DOT) tour guides, travel kits, and souvenirs.

Garcia emphasized the need for affordable options, stating: "Although we have to say, nga dili gyud na mapreha ang presyo, kay sa accommodation, like ikaw ra usa (sa room) ang amenities mas taas gyud. Naa man pud available nga barkada room."

In preparation for the upcoming Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Northern Escapade, scheduled for January 23-25, Garcia met with mayors, tourism officers, and other stakeholders. The event will feature 15 towns and a component city in the north, following the Sinulog Festival.

During a coordination meeting on January 3, mayors and tourism officers presented their plans and preparations.

Garcia urged towns to enhance their preparations to welcome guests, who will explore tourism destinations, experience cultural heritage, and taste local delicacies.

Garcia also welcomed new resorts participating in the event, noting that the northern escapade typically attracts balikbayans and guests visiting Cebu for the Sinulog Festival.

"Our problem before was the island kay dyutay ra atong resorts, mao ato ang nakalimit nato sa aotng mga participants, unya gani, kaning northern escapadae mao gyud ni ang biggest gyud kay this has always been the biggest group, because this is part of the Sinulog package," Garcia said.

Provincial Tourism Officer Marti Ybañez reported that more resorts in Bantayan Island are joining the event compared to the mainland LGUs.

The three-day tourism caravan will tour Consolacion, Compostela, Carmen, Sogod, Medellin, and Daanbantayan on the first day; San Remigio and the three LGUs of Bantayan Island (Santa Fe, Bantayan, and Madridejos) on the second day; and the City of Bogo, and the municipalities of Tabogon, Borbon, Catmon, and Liloan on the third day.

Participating LGUs will receive P2 million in aid from the Cebu Provincial Government for infrastructure projects, as a token of appreciation for their participation. The funds will be channeled through the offices of the mayors.

Suroy-Suroy Sugbo is a tourism program initiated by the Capitol to promote the tourism and culture of Cebu Province. — (FREEMAN)