CEBU Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro will discontinue Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy Suroy Sugbo, two major tourism programs launched by outgoing Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, saying she will replace these with mobile clinics and mobile kitchens that will be deployed to the province’s remote areas.
The incoming governor, in a news forum on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, cited financial and logistical challenges as reasons for her decision.
“If naa man gani magsuroy-suroy sa probinsya, it won’t be me. Kana atoang mobile clinics ug atong mga mobile kitchen nga mopakaon sa katawhan,” she said.
(If anyone is going around the province, it won’t be me. It will be our mobile clinics and our mobile kitchen that will feed the people.)
Baricuatro said the Provincial Government spent at least P255 million on the recent Pasigarbo, highlighting the high cost and logistical difficulties.
“Gasto kaayo ning Pasigarbo (Pasigarbo is very expensive). Imagine, P255 million,” she said.
“Why do you let third-class municipalities compete with component cities? How can they compete in terms of budget? Logistically, it’s improbable. Luoy kaayo (They look so pitiful),” she added.
Baricuatro also pointed out reports of injuries involving participants traveling to and from Cebu City for the Pasigarbo event.
“Daghan kaayo ang mga nadisgrasya; kana gyud, dili gyud na nako ipadayon. (Many have been injured; I will not continue that). I have been vocal about it from the start ,” she said.
Focus on Sinulog
She added that Cebu should focus on the Sinulog Festival as the province’s main celebration. Baricuatro said she would look for alternative ways to promote local talents and culture in the middle of the year.
“I think there has to be one festivity in Cebu Island. That’s Sinulog,” she added.
Baricuatro first publicly stated her intention to discontinue Pasigarbo and Suroy Suroy on Nov. 5, 2024, during her campaign. She promised to redirect funding toward healthcare, poverty reduction and essential services.
Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, launched in 2008, is a competition showcasing the festivals of local government units under the Provincial Government. It is held every August to coincide with the founding anniversary of Cebu Province.
Suroy Suroy Sugbo, a tourism initiative launched in 2004, showcases Cebu’s towns through travel packages.
In response to Baricuatro’s statement, at least 49 mayors, the Cebu Tourism Officers Association and the Cebu Choreographers Association argued that Pasigarbo sa Sugbo is an economic catalyst. They said the program has brought livelihood opportunities for choreographers, dance masters, costume designers and makers, visual artists, filmmakers and carpenters, among others. / EHP