Suroy-Suroy '11 to skip town of Daanbantayan

CEBU, Philippines - For the first time in the history of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, a rural tourism program of the Province of Cebu, the Municipality of Daanbantayan is not included in the itinerary.

This was confirmed by Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, chairperson of the Provincial Board (PB) committee on tourism.

This is also the first time for the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo “Nortern Escapade” to be held right after the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City as this is usually the schedule for the “Southern Heritage Trail.”

The last Suroy-Suroy Sugbo led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was held last January this year in southern Cebu because of the May 2010 elections.

Started in 2005, Garcia led the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo at least five times every year covering all cities and municipalities under the five clusters, namely: Southern Heritage Trail, Northern Escapade, Urban Adventure, Explore the Midwest and the Discover Enchanting Camotes.

Magpale, however, did not categorically state the reason for Daanbantayan’s exclusion in the list but the rift between Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Mayor Maria Luisa Loot was much publicized last August.

Daanbantayan, approximately 128 kilometers from the Capitol Building, is where the famous Malapascua island is located. It was still part of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo the last time it was held in the north.

Garcia scolded Loot in August this year when the municipality did not send a contingent to the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals of the Province of Cebu wherein its festival, the Haladaya, was a consistent winner.

Loot reasoned the lack of funds, but the governor did not accept her explanation. During that meeting, Loot vowed never to go back to the Capitol and declared independence from Garcia’s One Cebu Party.

Magpale said they expect more balikbayans to join the three-day Suroy-Suroy, which will kick off Jan. 19.

The first day will be capped in Medellin before participants will go to the three-town Bantayan island on the second day for an overnight stay.

Magpale said that the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo helps the towns boost their tourism. She cited such progress being seen in the Camotes group of islands. — Gregg M. Rubio and Mylen P. Manto/JPM (THE FREEMAN)