PB proposes Suroy-Suroy Commission

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) is proposing the creation of a Suroy-Suroy Commission as it passed on second reading the proposed ordinance institutionalizing the rural tourism program initiated by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

In sponsoring the proposed ordinance, opposition Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy said he is trying to incorporate the fundamentals of good governance and participative approach without looking at political affiliations.

In his proposal, the commission shall be chaired by the governor with the head of the PB committee on tourism as the vice chairman.

The members shall be composed of the provincial tourism officer, representatives of the Department of Tourism, travel agencies, president of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines – Cebu, manager of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and the Cebu Tourism Officers Association.

There shall also be an executive director to be appointed by the governor.

Board Member Wilfredo Caminero commented that the success in the implementation of the proposed ordinance is the backing of the local chief executives concerned.

Sitoy said that the functions of the commission shall be defined in consultation with the local government units.

Sitoy reported that based on feedbacks from the LGUs, the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo has benefited them in terms of market revenues, enhancement of awareness of different culture, promotion of delicacies and tourist destinations, exposure of heritage sites, increase of sales in souvenir items and other benefits.

Sitoy said that he conducted three public hearings already, although the mayors have just sent their representatives like the tourism officers.

Board Member Julian Daan expressed apprehension that the next governor might not implement the ordinance.

Sitoy said that the ordinance can be amended.

Board Member Joven Mondigo Jr. also asked if it is mandatory for the mayors to participate in the Suroy-Suroy but Sitoy said the ordinance aims at encouraging the mayors to participate.

The said ordinance is meant to ensure that the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Program of  the Cebu Provincial Government will be maintained and continued beyond the term of Garcia which will expire next year.

Suroy-Suroy Sugbo refers to the tour caravan initiated by the Cebu Provincial Government promoting the different towns of Cebu. The program has five legs which are the Southern Heritage Trail, Northern Escapade, Discovering Enchanting Camotes, Explore the Midwest and the Urban Adventure which includes the City of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

The Province of Cebu partnered with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the conceptualization on how to improve tourism activity outside Metro Cebu, thus the birth of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo program. — (FREEMAN)