COSTAS TAKES BEATING OVER TOURISM PLANS

Provincial tourism officer criticized for coming up with plan to privaticize Suroy-Suroy Sugbo without tourism commission’s blessing

Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito “Boboi” Costas became the subject of criticism during a public hearing on the proposed Cebu Provincial Tourism Code.

Members of the Provincial Tourism Commission (PTC) took turns airing their grievances against Costas during the public hearing.

Despite saying that she has accepted Costas’ apology earlier this week, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale questioned the provincial tourism officer for some of the programs he has implemented, including the plan to privatize the yearly Suroy-Suroy Sugbo.

Magpale and members of the PTC questioned Costas’ letter to the Cebu Association of Tourist Operator Specialists (Catos) in preparation for the privatization of the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo.

Catos president Alice Queblatin, who was one of those who were invited in the public hearing yesterday, said she and her members were concerned about Costas’ let- ter as they were baffled by the plan to privatize the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo without any blessing from the PTC.

The letter states that the Catos was tasked to prepare for next year’s Suroy-Suroy Sugbo, including arranging the accommodations for those participating in the event.

Magpale questioned the need to institutionalize the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo if Costas wants to privatize it.

In response, Costas said he was willing to declare his initial letter to

Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino said he supports the public-private sector collaboration plan for Suroy-Suroy Sugbo as it will unburden the Provincial Government from expenditure problems.

Catos null and void.

“I’m willing to withdraw the letter. I would let you (Magpale) decide or maybe Suroy-Suroy program can be run by another office while we take a back seat,” Costas said. He also apologized to Magpale and members of the PTC for deciding on the matter without consulting them first.

But some also supported Costas’ plan to privatize the Suroy-Suroy Sugbo.

Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino said he supports the public-private sector collaboration plan for Suroy-Suroy Sugbo as it will unburden the Provincial Government from expenditure problems.

“One way for the private sector can come in the Suroy-Suroy program is they do the marketing, payments and reservations rather than course it to the Province,” Tolentino said.

Magpale said the issue between PTC and Costas was eventually resolved./