Bigger budget for Capitol tourism office proposed

CEBU, Philippines — The Provincial Tourism Office proposed a budget of P10 million for 2018 or an increase of more than P2 million from this year’s allocation of P7.7 million.

Among the reasons for the increase is the P500,000 subsidy for each town where toilets will be put up along the main road and as well as in tourist destinations.

The budget also includes P4.5 million allocation for the 41 training programs for LGUs in the entire province.

However, the Museo Sugbo and Suroy-Suroy Sugbo program have lesser budget for 2018.

From this year’s P3.7 million allocation for Museo Sugbo, it was cut to P1.9 million.

But even with the cut, Museo Sugbo will go on with its plan to procure devices and equipment with information and communication technology systems, which cost about P700,000.

Joselito Costas, head of the Tourism Office, said they intend to digitize and make the museum more interactive.

The office also plans to let younger artists and art workers to showcase their talents at the museum.

The Suroy-Suroy Sugbo program only get P1.9 million for next year, of P200,000 lesser than this year’s budget. (FREEMAN)