CEBU, Philippines - Tourism leaders and local cultural advocates in Cebu have come out in strong defense of two of the province's key tourism programs, Suroy-Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, which were recently criticized by gubernatorial candidate Pamela Baricuatro as "a waste of money."
In a statement issued on Thursday, November 7, the Cebu Choreographers Association (CCA) expressed its "strong disapproval" of Baricuatro's remarks, particularly her proposal to scrap Pasigarbo sa Sugbo if she wins the 2025 gubernatorial election.
Baricuatro, who is challenging incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, argued that the two events are not aligned with the immediate needs of Cebu's residents, claiming that they place an unnecessary financial burden on local communities while ignoring more pressing concerns.
Many of our people are struggling," Baricuatro said. "Why should we prioritize festivities over addressing the essential needs of the province?"
However, the CCA countered that Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, an annual festival celebrating Cebu's diverse cultural heritage, not only brings immense pride to the province but also serves as a vital economic engine for various sectors. The event generates significant livelihood opportunities for choreographers, dancers, costume designers, visual artists, carpenters, and other creative professionals.
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| Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festivity |
The CCA pointed out that Pasigarbo is more than just a celebration—it is a crucial source of income for many individuals and families who rely on it for their livelihood. "If Baricuatro is genuinely concerned about helping those 'struggling,' she should consider the devastating impact of eliminating this event, which provides a steady income to so many," the statement read.
The group also reaffirmed its support for Governor Garcia, praising her leadership in preserving Cebu's cultural heritage and boosting the province's tourism industry through initiatives like Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.
In a similar show of support, the Cebu Tourism Officers Association (CTOA) also expressed backing for Garcia, particularly in relation to the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo program, which promotes tourism in Cebu’s rural areas. The association emphasized that Suroy-Suroy Sugbo has made a measurable impact on local economies by bringing tourists to less-visited parts of the province, showcasing Cebu’s natural beauty, and creating new markets for local artisans and entrepreneurs.
The CTOA argued that the program has not only promoted economic growth but has also contributed to a sense of pride in Cebu’s rural communities, encouraging them to preserve their unique traditions and cultural practices. By spotlighting rural Cebu, Suroy-Suroy Sugbo has attracted investments in infrastructure, improving roads, facilities, and amenities that benefit both residents and visitors.
"The program has sparked a renaissance in rural Cebu, empowering communities and giving them a voice in the tourism industry," the CTOA said in its statement. "Governor Garcia’s vision has fostered sustainable growth that goes beyond tourism, enriching local economies and improving the quality of life for residents."
For her part, Baricuatro—a philanthropist and former flight attendant—has built her campaign around addressing poverty and corruption. She has criticized programs like Suroy-Suroy Sugbo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, claiming they do little to tackle Cebu’s more urgent challenges. Baricuatro has suggested reallocating the resources spent on these events to more direct community assistance.
"While we understand the concerns about prioritizing basic needs," the CCA and CTOA statements concluded, "we believe that tourism, when properly managed, can be a powerful tool for economic development and community empowerment. Governor Garcia's programs are a testament to the potential of cultural tourism to uplift lives, create jobs, and preserve the very identity of Cebu."
As the 2025 election draws nearer, the debate over Cebu's tourism programs is expected to intensify, with both sides of the issue making their case to the province's voters.