Ace says ‘Suroy-Suroy’, ‘Pasigarbo’ was ‘more on self-promotion’

Local

FORMER Tourism Secretary Ace Durano criticized the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, flagship tourism projects of outgoing Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, as “more on self-promotion rather than tourism promotion,”

Durano’s description of the two tourism programs t signals a new direction for Cebu’s tourism under Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro.

Durano, appointed as Special Adviser for Economic and Political Affairs by Baricuatro, said the administration will prioritize genuine destination development that benefits local communities and focus on improving essential facilities and services.

In an interview during the oathtaking of Baricuatro on Thursday, May 22, said a key part of this approach is upgrading healthcare services, particularly emergency response, in major tourism areas.

Durano emphasized that under Baricuatro’s leadership, tourism efforts will shift away from promoting personalities toward “honest-to-goodness” destinations.

Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, launched in 2008, is a province-wide festival featuring dance contingents from Cebu’s cities and towns.

Meanwhile, Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, which began in 2004, is a tourism caravan that offers guided tours to various destinations across the province development.

“Unsaon man aron mudagay sila dira (tourism destinations)? Facilities gyud, services, unya ang usa gyud nga akong nakita kani gyung health services, kaning emergency services,” Durano added.

Baricuatro's campaign was centered on plans to intensify healthcare initiatives. This alongside tourism development, aiming to provide better health facilities and services to Cebu’s communities.

Baricuatro and Durano met on Wednesday to begin the transition and committed to working together for what the incoming governor called “tinuod nga serbisyo” (genuine service).

“Lipay gyud ko nga magtinabangay ta isip mga Sugbuanon nga ang tuyo mao ang tinuod nga serbisyo. Kon magkahiusa ta, daghan gyud kaayong mahimo,” Baricuatro said on social media.

Durano, who served as Tourism Secretary from 2004 to 2010, welcomed the appointment, saying, “I’m excited to work with you, Gov Pam! It’s an honor to be part of your journey in providing the Cebuanos services they truly deserve.”(MyTVCebu)