46 towns, cities to join ‘Pasigarbo’

CEBU, Philippines — An overwhelming majority of Cebu’s 51 towns and cities have expressed intention to join the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo this August, dubbed as the province’s “Festival of Festivals.”

At least 46 mayors and tourism officers signified their willingness to join the festival during a meeting with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday at the Capitol.

Garcia called for the meeting to discuss the return of Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and the continuation of the Suroy Suroy Sugbo initiative, which are both anchored on the goal of selling the province to tourists.

The mayors of the towns of Tudela and Tabuelan confirmed yesterday that they were not inclined to joining the festival due to lack of funds and possible bad weather.

The cities of Danao and Toledo, which sent representatives to the meeting, are interested in joining but will still have to check availability of funds.

Other mayors said they will send the winning contingents in their respective town festivals.

The provincial government is planning to hold the Pasigarbo between August 4 and 10, although the venue has yet to be finalized. It will be done about the same time as the 450th founding anniversary of the province on August 6.

Garcia, who returns to the Capitol after six years, thanked the mayors for showing up yesterday despite the short notice. She also expressed appreciation their willingness to participate in the Pasigarbo despite the challenges, adding that this meant a gesture of unity on their part.

“Kahibalo ko daghan ninyo maglisod kay bag-o pa kaayo ang termino (I know many of you will find it hard because we have fresh terms),” she said.

Garcia said the Capitol will extend help to contingents facing scarcity of funds, as well as in coming up with good storylines and choreography for their presentation with the help of Pasigarbo organizer Victor Cuenco.

Despite the time constraints, Cuenco promised a grander and more colorful staging this year compared to that of 2012 when the Pasigarbo was last held.

Meanwhile, the mayors and tourism officers who attended the meeting yesterday also welcomed the continuation of the Suroy Suroy Sugbo, which was started by Garcia’s administration and carried on by Davide’s government. (FREEMAN)