Durano backs scrapping of Pasigarbo, Suroy-Suroy

Former tourism secretary Ace Durano has thrown his support behind Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro’s decision to scrap the popular tourism programs Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, calling instead for “honest-to-goodness” destination development and stronger healthcare services in tourism hubs.

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Recently appointed as Baricuatro’s special adviser for economic and political affairs, Durano criticized the outgoing administration’s tourism initiatives, claiming they prioritized personal interests over actual promotion of Cebu’s destinations.

“Ang nakita nako anang Suroy-Suroy, it was more on self-promotion rather than tourism promotion,” Durano said.

He emphasized that under the new administration, the focus would shift to developing facilities and services that encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more—ultimately generating more jobs for locals.

Durano noted that while Cebu’s top destinations like Oslob, Moalboal, and Mactan are already well-known, they lack the infrastructure needed to support long-term tourism.

“Unsaon man aron mudugay sila dira (tourism destinations)? Facilities gyud, services, unya ang usa gyud nga akong nakita kani jung health services, kaning emergency services,” he said.