The leading vote-getter in the Senate during the May 2022 elections joined Gov. Gwen Garcia during the full length of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo trail in Camotes Islands over the weekend, from April 15 to 16.
Sen. Robin Padilla made good on his promise to the governor during his visit at the Capitol last month that he would join Cebu’s flagship tourism initiative, even if as a Muslim, the senator was fasting from dawn to sunset in observance of the Ramadan.
Aside from cultural presentations and scenic tourism destinations, Cebu’s rich culinary heritage and delectable cuisine are a main staple offering of the Suroy-Suroy such as Cebu’s famous lechon and — in the case of island municipalities such as those in Bantayan and Camotes — rich marine harvest.
“Pag nakikita ko ang ganitong klaseng presentasyon na ang binibigyan ng halaga ay yung ating pagka-Pilipino, hindi ho ako nakakaramdam ng gutom . . . sapagkat ang mga napapanood ko dito, yan ang kayamanan ng ating bayan,” Sen. Padilla said during his speech in Tudela town.
Wherever he went, the senator was received warmly by the cheering crowd in Camotes. It had as much to do with his lead actor looks as with his generous heart.
In Pilar, he pledged P30 million for development projects in the island-town after Mayor Manuel Santiago moved him when the latter spoke about the difficulties faced by his constituents for being the farthest LGU from mainland Cebu.
Later in the day, during an inspection of the ongoing works in Camotes Island Airport, the senator personally promised Gov. Garcia that his office would allocate funds for the airport’s construction in 2024.
In San Franciso, the senator was so pleased with the cultural performances that he rewarded them with cash from his personal savings, ranging from P10,000 for solo performers and P50,000 for group productions.
In summing up his Suroy-Suroy experience, the senator could not help but marvel at the vision of Gov. Garcia in preserving Filipino culture and tradition as well as in showcasing Cebu’s tourism offerings through the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo package.
“Wala po akong nakitang pinakamagaling na gobernador maliban kay Gov. Gwen na nagbibigay ng kahalagahan sa kultura. Dahil alam nyo po, ang bansang mayaman ang kultura, yun ang pinakamayaman na bansa sapagkat alam natin ang pinanggalingan natin,” Sen. Padilla said in Tudela. | Ioannes P. Arong