Loren wants nationwide adoption of Suroy-Suroy

CEBU, Philippines - Senator Loren Legarda will endorse to the Department of Tourism to adopt the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo initiated by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Legarda and other politicians joined yesterday the two-day “exploring the Midwest” segment of the Suroy-Suroy, a tour of six towns and one city.

Legarda told Garcia to make the activity a template to be adopted by DOT in order to be replicated in other provinces.

“Naniniwala ako sa epekto ng Suroy-Suroy dahil ito’y nakapagbigay ng trabaho sa rural areas, ito’y nakakapag-promote ng rural tourism, ito’y nakapagbigay ng focus on culture and heritage, agriculture and tourism in the local areas,” Legarda told reporters.

Legarda was glad to know that previously “sleepy towns” are now exposed to local and foreign tourists and given pride of place.

“I support it, that’s why I come,” she said.

Zambales Rep. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay also admired the activity saying it is a nice program showcasing the towns.

Magsaysay said this can be the advocacy of Garcia if elected as senator and may even make her a good DOT secretary.

“Imagine if you will be able to magnify this on a national level by making all provinces have their own Suroy-Suroy,” Magsaysay said.

Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Teddy Casiño also found the activity a beautiful concept good for local tourism and local economy.

He also said he is glad Cebu Province shares his advocacy of helping micro and medium enterprises.

“We have to develop the local economy and Suroy Suroy is one step to do that,” Casiño said.

Whistleblower Joey de Venecia III also said that Suroy Suroy is a great model for local tourism when he learned that most participants are local tourists.

“This stimulates really the local economy of Cebu and makes people of Cebu know the treasures of its country,” he said.

De Venecia hopes Garcia will use the Suroy-Suroy as a model for other provinces if she is elected to the Senate.

“It is the best way to promote tourism in our country,” De Venecia added.

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo was conceived in 2004 by Garcia together with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The said activity is organized into four segments —the Southern Heritage Trail, the Northern Escapade, Enchanting Camotes and Explore the Midwest— undertaken separately in a year.

The Provincial Board is now working for the institutionalization of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo to sustain it even after the term of Garcia. —(FREEMAN)