"Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo" is a flagship tourism program of the province of Cebu, Philippines, aimed at promoting the rich culture, heritage, and scenic beauty of the region to both local and international visitors.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said all regional directors of the Department of Tourism (DOT) will join the next leg of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo which will be implemented nationwide dubbed “Suroy-Suroy Northern Escapade” starts in the first quarter of 2023. Garcia stated that Secretary Christina has instructed all regional directors across the country to participate in the program, so they can gain first-hand experience and learn how to effectively implement it in their respective regions.
The program, which began in the 1990s, features a tour bus that travels to different municipalities in Cebu, showcasing the unique attractions, festivals, and delicacies of each area. The tour usually starts in the capital city of Cebu and includes stops in the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Talisay, as well as the towns of Carcar, Naga, and Minglanilla.
One of the highlights of the "Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo" tour is the visit to the Magellan's Cross, a historical marker that commemorates the arrival of the Spanish explorer Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu in 1521. The tour also includes visits to various churches, such as the Basilica del Santo Niño and the Sto. Niño de Cebu Parish, both of which are known for their religious significance.
Another popular attraction on the tour is the Taoist Cemetery in Cebu City, which is known for its unique and elaborate tombs and mausoleums. In addition, the tour also takes visitors to the heritage houses, which are traditional houses and structures that date back to the Spanish colonial period.
The "Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo" tour not only promotes the cultural and historical heritage of Cebu but also helps to boost the local economy by increasing tourism and creating employment opportunities for the local people. Governor Garcia stated that the province of Cebu is open to providing assistance to local government units (LGUs) who want to develop their own tourism programs modeled after the successful "Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo" program.
