Suroy-Suroy kicks off in Camotes

CEBU, Philippines — The Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo’s Enchanting Camotes Group of Islands tour kicked off yesterday with a visit to its remote towns, Pilar and Poro, marking the first stop of two-day travel adventure hosted by Cebu Province.

This tour showcasing the remote areas in northeast Cebu saw Cebu’s tourism flagship program gathering at least 450 tourists and participants from all over the country.

The participants first arrived in Ponson Island as first stop in the two-day excursion. Locally-woven hats painted with “Poson” on the front were distributed to the guests during the welcome.

Pilar Mayor Manuel “Winky” Santiago said they consider the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo hosting as a chance to present the gem that is their town that, according to him, has yet to be discovered by many in country.

“Salamat kaayo ninyo nga inyong gitagaan og bili ug importansiya ang kalihokan sa Poson bisan pa sa kagmay, ug sa ka remote sa among lugar,” Santiago told the Cebu media.

Having no idea how to host the tourism program, Santiago admitted they opted to present the usual and ordinary way of living of Pilaranons such as feasting on mollusks commonly known as “saang”, among others.

“Mao man gud ni madali nga makaon sa mga pilaranon, dili lisod ang pagpanguha, ang pagpreparar lang…ang challenge is unsaon pag presentar sa pagkaon,” said Santiago.

The participants were accommodated at the Pilar Municipal Gymnasium where the Pilaranons exhibited their cultural identity through a display of their various seafood cuisines, delicacies, and crafts.

Among those who presented their locally-made crafts was mat weaver Elizabeth Capillanes, 65 years old, who has been in the industry since she was 16.

Through this craft, she was able to send her children to school and sustained their daily living.

“Among ilibot nganhi. Kami nagtanom, then panguhaon namo na ang dahon, ibuwad,” she said, referring to the process of making their mats or “banig” in the Cebuano language.

Present during the welcome ceremony was Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Senator Lito Lapid who promised Pilaranons he will extend financial assistance particularly for the island’s infrastructures.

In a talk with media, Lapid said he is just waiting for the official request from the mayor, initially establishing an amount of ?1 million for Pilar alone.

“So ang sinasabi ko sulat lang lahat ng gusto nila, mag-request lang sila kung magkano ang ibibigay ko, walang presyo ang ibibigay ko,” said Lapid.

Talking about his experience during the tourism event, Lapid said he wants to look around the Camotes group of islands to assess how and where his office can provide assistance.

The second stop for the Suroy-Suroy was the Island of Poro. Tourists were transported via buses to San Francisco town.

Participants were welcomed with a marching band and a parade of festival dancers. Guests were also served a variety of the island’s delicacies.

San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Arquillano Jr., said their town takes pride in being close to nature which they take efforts in preserving.

“Atong gipaninguha nga atong ma-protect ug ma-enhance,” said Arquillano.

The mayor further said they are proud to have maintained food and water security despite the challenges of El Niño. — (FREEMAN)