Suroy Suroy trails Yolanda- hit areas in the north this summer

CEBU, Philippines - Five months after the super typhoon Yolanda wreaked havoc, the Capitol is bringing its Suroy Suroy Sugbo back to the northern part of Cebu, specifically in the badly-hit Camotes Islands.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, however, said Pilar, one of the three towns in Camotes, will not be joining as it has yet to recover from the effects of Yolanda. The town will instead be showcasing its local products at the Suroy Suroy path.

Bantayan Island, another island in the north, was also supposed to be a part of this northern escapade, but Magpale said the island, dubbed as the little Boracay in Cebu, could only provide 38 rooms, which are not enough to accommodate 200 target guests.

Most of the beach resorts in Bantayan Island also suffered Yolanda's wrath November last year.

"Wa pa kabangon ang Norte, hinay-hinay lang sa…wa pa may nahimo ang Bantayan, ari lang sa ta sa Camotes. We're taking advantage of the weather," Magpale said.

The vice governor said Suroy Suroy's summer schedule is always dedicated to the northern islands, being hosts to white sandy beaches; apart from the fact that good weather is needed for safe boat trip to the islands.

Meanwhile, Magpale said the province has yet to establish the foundation before turning over the Suroy Suroy Sugbo to the travel companies. 

She explained that although Cebu is teeming with many tourism destinations, infrastructures like roads and others, have to be constructed to make it easy for the visitors.

Magpale said she has already asked support from Governor Hilario Davide III over the request of the mayors that if they find (or create) tourism spots in their respective areas, they will be provided with needed infrastructures.

 "Eventually, we'll give this to the private sector. Kinahanglan pa man gud assistance sa province, like infrastructure. Whatever is needed nga di pa ikahatag sa national, ang province lang usa. Ako na gihangyo si Governor nga motabang ta sa local government nga naay na-discover nga tourism destination," she said.

Magpale said the Capitol is working on discovering more tourism destinations.

"We are just one in making Cebu a tourism destination. We're working with everybody…the Department of Tourism, the private sector," Magpale said.

Suroy Suroy Sugbo in Camotes Islands is scheduled May 1 to 3. — (FREEMAN)