CEBU’S “Big 5” tourism program, which focuses on five towns in the southern half of the province, will be reviewed as mayors of other towns have complained about being left out of the promotion campaign. Governor Hilario P. Davide III said he did not directly receive the complaints of the mayors but is aware of their concerns, and that he will call for a revisit of the program. At the same time, Mr. Davide said there are plans for other tourism programs. “I think there’s going to be another promotion aron mahatagan og (to provide) support from the provincial government,” Mr. Davide said. The governor said he has also called the attention of Provincial Tourism Office head Joselito “Boboi” R. Costas to coordinate with Vice-Governor Agnes A. Magpale, who chairs the Provincial Tourism Commission. Ms. Magpale, meanwhile, said she has received complaints from mayors questioning why their towns were not included in the Big 5, which covers Argao, Alcoy, Alegria, Aloguinsan, and Boljoon, all located in the southern half of the province. Ms. Magpale said she was not aware of the campaign until she was asked by the media about it. In an earlier interview, Mr. Costas said the five destinations were chosen based on the preparedness of the organizations in their respective communities. He also said that the tourism office is planning to feature next the destinations in the northern towns of Cebu. The Big 5 program will develop and offer special tour packages in the different towns — a farm-to-table culinary experience in Alegria, Hermit Cove and Bojo River cruise in Aloguinsan, a culinary journey in Argao, heritage walk in Boljoon, and birding tour and nature trek in Alcoy. — The Freeman

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