CEBU CITY, Philippines - Availability of infrastructure projects and a strong tourism program will help Cebu province survive the effects of the global economic crisis, said Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.She cited these factors during her first press conference of the year on Monday at the Capitol where she discussed her plans for Cebu provincial government. The press conference was held after the Capitol’s general assembly at the Capitol Social Hall on Monday. The governor said she was confident of the province's chances of survival from the economic crisis because of these two factors. Garcia said that by making available basic infrastructures like farm to market roads, barangay (village) roads and bridges, electrical connections and water systems even in far-flung barangays “we have been able to spur development” in the province.
Garcia said having good roads is also a factor in bringing tourists to the countryside and opening opportunities for residents there. Garcia cited the advantage of the province-organized Suroy Suroy sa Sugbo caravans which highlighted the province to the tourists.
“Never before have we been showcased to tourists,” Garcia said of the Suroy Suroy caravans.
According to the 2008 third quarter report by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), 399,908 tourists arrived in Cebu.
The third quarter figures showed tourist arrivals went up by only four percent compared to the 384,534 tourists who came here during the same period in 2007.
NEDA said the minimal increase “could mean that the global economic crisis has taken a toll on business travelers which is one of Cebu's biggest tourism market.” Governor Garcia, however, remains optimistic about the local tourism, saying destinations in Cebu remain a good alternative to other foreign countries.
The Cebu provincial government will organize another Suroy Suroy caravan at the request of balikbayans.
The Suroy Suroy sa Sugbu Southern Heritage Trail will be held January 21 to January 23.
“I think that we have been doing things the right way and we have prepared Cebu for more opportunities and more challenges to come,” she said.
Garcia also cited the provincial government's strong alliance with foreign countries as a factor to Cebu's growth.
She encouraged local investors to take advantage of the connections established with their foreign counterparts during Cebu officials' and businessmen's visits to foreign countries last year.
The governor brought with her officials of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and local manufacturer groups in her travels to Russia, Malaysia and Swaziland among others to forge economic and political alliances.
“I will see to it that this unprecedented growth will continue, that the province will soar to unprecedented heights,” she said. | 
