Pam scraps Pasigarbo, Suroy-suroy

Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro is determined to discontinue outgoing Governor Gwendolyn Garcia's hallmark tourism programs—Pasigarbo sa Sugbo and Suroy-Suroy Sugbo—citing major logistical and financial challenges.

- Jonnavie Villa, Staff Member

Speaking at a media forum on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, Baricuatro explained that the two initiatives spearheaded by her predecessor have posed major logistical and financial challenges to the towns and component cities.

"Kana gud dili nako ipadayon. I've been vocal about it from day 1," Baricuatro said.

"Gasto kaayo, kaning Pasigarbo. Imagine, P255 million pesos nu," she added.

Baricuatro said her administration will prioritize practical, needs-based public service over what she described as costly cultural displays. She expressed concern over the inequity of Pasigarbo's structure, where under-resourced municipalities competed with larger, better-funded cities.

"And why do you let third class municipalities compete with component cities? How can they compete in terms of budget and logistically it's improbable jud," she said.

Launched in 2008, Pasigarbo sa Sugbo was a festival-style showcase of local culture through dance and pageantry.

While celebrated by many for promoting Cebuano identity, Baricuatro noted that the program often came at a steep costboth financially and in terms of safety.