Magpale’s Suroy-Suroy kicks off

CEBU, Philippines - Less politicians, less children involved, less food, less speeches, less places and less participants.

This was the observation of some repeat participants of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo Southern Getaway yesterday.

The three-day activity led by acting Governor Agnes Magpale started with a  breakfast and church visit in San Fernando with Vice Mayor Miguel Antonio Canoy, a political ally of Magpale.

Canoy just delivered a very brief welcome message and introduced some luxury resorts in his town.

A welcome streamer with Magpale’s name was seen displayed at the Plaza Rizal where the cultural presentation was held.

What surprised some observers was the singing of the One Cebu theme song and Mabuhi Ka Sugbuanon by the San Isidro Parish Youth Choir.

Mabuhi Ka Sugboanon is closely associated with suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia as this is played every time she arrives in an event.

“No problem with me,” Magpale said when sought for reaction.

The group then proceeded to Argao town where Mayor Edsel Galeos welcomed the participants at Cabecera de Argao.

At the Bluewater Sumilon Island Resort in Oslob town, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy joined the group.

Aside from Sitoy who authored the proposed institutionalization of the Suroy- Suroy Sugbo that was started by Garcia, no other official or politicians joined the activity.

Magpale said that they did not invite politicians and they did not require schoolchildren to wait along the road to welcome participants after hearing complaints from parents in the previous years.

Magpale said the activity that will last until tomorrow is entirely different as they wanted to focus on leisure and relaxation of the participants.

Patria Aurora Roa, former regional director of the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas, said that she overheard some guests saying that unlike before, they are no longer “harassed” by the hectic schedule of the previous Suroy-Suroy.

Roa who has been in the past activity said that this year’s Suroy-Suroy is refreshing and participants were given the time to immerse and linger in the place.

From 23 localities involved in the past activities led by Garcia, the Magpale-led activity only has seven and two tourist spots in southern Cebu.

Most of the participating localities have mayors allied with the Liberal Party like San Fernando, Argao, Santander, Samboan and Barili.

Talisay City and Ronda are allied with Garcia but they still participated.

Provincial Tourism Officer Grace Paulino said that the rate per person is ranging from P7,000 to P10,000 which is lesser than the previous rate of P8,000 to P11,000, depending on the accommodation.

The province also saved the transportation cost of P25,000 per day for each of the four Ceres buses because tourist buses of Tabuelan, Argao, Dalaguete, Talisay City, Naga City and Alcantara are being used in this three-day activity.

There are around 150 participants with 90 paying guests.

Magpale said the number of guests is already good enough considering that they only announced the activity six days ago.

Day one ended last night with a dinner at Sanayon View in Santander town where Mayor Marilyn Wenceslao welcomed the guests.

“With Gov. Agnes’ magic touch, we are hopeful this event will be memorable as ever,” Wenceslao said.

Welcome tarpaulins bearing the faces of Magpale, Board Members Peter John Calderon and Wilfredo Caminero were seen in the area.—(FREEMAN)