CEBU, Philippines — The two-day Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo in Camotes Group of Islands capped off with a P12 million subsidy to the municipalities that hosted the “Enchanting 1 Camotes” escapade.
This was announced by Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during her closing speech yesterday, May 12, at the Municipality of Poro, the last stop for the two-day excursion.
In her speech, Garcia expressed her delight in the town’s hosting of the tourism flagship, which moved her to extend the said financial assistance that is intended for the infrastructure. All four towns will receive P3 million each.
The second day of the Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo made its first stop in Brgy. Villahermosa Marine Sanctuary and Katunggan Mangrove Forest in the Municipality of Tudela.
During the stop, Barangay Kagawad George Imperial III emphasized their drive to transform the site into an eco-park.
According to Imperial, the site is a protected area due to the presence of various aquatic resources, such as giant clams, “takubo”, among others, which shows its rich biodiversity.
He added that when the site was inspected last 2018, the barangay won first place as the area with most biodiversity in the fifth class local government units.
Further, Imperial also said their Mangrove forest has been a huge help as it has become a barrier to various calamities.
“It’s been protecting Villahermosa and other neighboring barangays, for the longest time…for 40 to 60 years,” said Imperial.
“So every year we spend time in planting mangrove trees,” he added.
Imperial said its process in turning the area to an eco-park is still ongoing. He added that they are hopeful that through the Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo, the hidden gem of their barangay will also be recognized among other tourist destinations in the country as it can also boost their economic status.
In another interview, Tudela Mayor Greman “Jojo” Solante also expressed his joy to be among the hosting towns of this year’s second Suroy-Suroy.
Agreeing with Imperial, Solante also expressed his gratitude that the Mangrove forest and the Marine Sanctuary was included in the itinerary.
“Di na kaayo ma crowded sa Bukilat (cave) kay naa nay muadto og Mangrove, usa na sa dakong kausaban,” said Solante, who added that they did their best to develop the site by installing a boardwalk and adding a boating activity.
Solante also shared their plans of putting up a mangrove forest in every barangay of Tudela as part of their marine conservation efforts.
Solante also stated that among those they have been highlighting is their food tourism, particularly the seafood “Takla” or shellfish.
Further, he also expressed his gratitude to Garcia for helping elevate their town.