CEBU, Philippines — Participants of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo have lauded the success of the caravan's relaunching during its culmination.
The three-day caravan came to a formal close yesterday in the City of Talisay. It is the first Suroy-Suroy Sugbo caravan after six years that employed each local government units’ tradition, culture and delicacies.
In this installation, participants got to explore the 22 southern cities and municipalities of the province. Among them are the cities of Talisay, Naga and Carcar along with the municipalities of Minglanilla, San Fernando, Sibonga, Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander, Samboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian, Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda, Dumanjug and Barili.
The pool of participants included local and foreign tourists alike.
Benny Que, the President of the Golden Prince Hotel and Suites, said that prior to his Suroy-Suroy experience, he already heard good things about the tourism initiative.
"Actually this is my first time joining the Suroy-Suroy. I've heard a lot about (the) good things happening in Suroy-Suroy," he said.
He shared that he is looking into developing the signature delicacies he has indulged in during the Suroy-Suroy.
"Me, being in the hotel industry, I've been watching for the specialty food that I'm thinking now of incorporating… to Sinulog so that we can showcase every town. It would be a dream showcase," he said.
For every stop, participants were presented with dishes and pastries endemic to each city and municipality. This is coupled with cultural presentations.
Que said he also used the time he had in Suroy-Suroy to coordinate with local government chiefs.
Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Maria Lester Ybañez said they have encountered no major problem during the actual caravan.
Cebu Provincial Police Office Chief Roderick Mariano, who also took part in the caravan, disclosed that there were no safety threats during the caravan.
"We deployed maximum personnel of our police stations as well as our Police Provincial Mobile Force Company as well as my Tourist Police Unit. So far, these three days sa Suroy-Suroy, generally peaceful and orderly," Mariano said.
The Provincial Tourism Office will now resume organizing the next leg of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo which will feature the North Heritage Trail. This installment is set to take place this January 22.
Ybañez said they are considering extending the number of days so as to give participants more time to explore the towns. She added that majority of the participants of the Southern Heritage Trail have confirmed their interest to take part in the North Heritage Trail. (FREEMAN)