Groups lash back at Baricuatro, back Cebu’s tourism programs

Local

TOURISM officers and local choreographers in Cebu have voiced their support for the province’s tourism programs, Suroy-Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, following gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro’s recent criticism labeling these initiatives as "a waste of money."

Baricuatro, who is challenging incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the 2025 election, contended that these events fail to address Cebu residents' essential needs and place a burden on local communities.

On Thursday, November 7, the Cebu Choreographers Association (CCA) released a statement expressing “strong disapproval” of Baricuatro’s remarks, especially her proposal to discontinue the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo festival if she is elected.

Baricuatro argued that Cebu must prioritize the "needs of the people of the province of Cebu," saying, "Daghan intawn nagkalisod nganong magpasigarbo man una ta?" (Many people are struggling; why should we prioritize festivities?).

In response, the CCA emphasized that the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo not only celebrates Cebu's heritage and culture but also provides substantial livelihood opportunities for choreographers, dance masters, costume designers, visual artists, filmmakers, carpenters, and numerous others who contribute to the event.

The CCA added that if Baricuatro’s focus was truly on helping those “nagkalisod (struggling)”, she should consider that stopping the festival would deprive many in these sectors of an important source of income.

Declaring its support for Garcia’s leadership, the CCA underscored the governor’s commitment to Cebu's tourism, heritage, and cultural preservation through Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, an event that they described as both a source of livelihood and a celebration of Cebu’s rich cultural heritage.

Additionally, the Cebu Tourism Officers Association also rallied behind Garcia, particularly for her role in the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo program, which has reportedly had a significant economic and social impact on Cebu's rural areas.

In their statement, the association said, “We support Governor Gwen Garcia and her visionary role in the success of all programs introduced and implemented in the Province of Cebu."

They described Baricuatro's comments as overlooking the program’s critical role in promoting economic growth and community pride in rural areas.

The groups said since its inception, Suroy-Suroy Sugbo has reportedly introduced Cebu’s countryside to wider audiences, bringing attention to its cultural, natural, and industrial assets.

The program has not only attracted tourists but has also drawn investment into previously underserved communities, creating a new market for local artisans, business owners, and entrepreneurs.

The tourism officers emphasized that Suroy-Suroy Sugbo has fostered pride among residents and encouraged the preservation of unique traditions, which they consider invaluable for reinforcing Cebu's identity.

The association highlighted the program’s role in improving infrastructure as tourism-driven investment has enhanced roads, facilities, and amenities, positively impacting the quality of life for residents.

On her part, Baricuatro, a philanthropist and former flight attendant, has centered her campaign on poverty and corruption, criticizing initiatives like Suroy-Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo as doing "little to address Cebu's pressing needs.”

Speaking at a recent forum, she argued, “Poverty is interrelated gyud with corruption. That is my program of action. Poverty and corruption. If you see that corruption is high, it is the poor that suffers.”

She proposed reallocating resources from such events to more immediate community needs.(MyTVCebu)