NOW that the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation in Cebu City continues to improve, the Cebu City Tourism Commission (CCTC) sees an opportunity to promote tourism in the city.

The CCTC had re-launched its tourism program dubbed the Highland Blooms and Eco Tourism Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

Tourism commissioner Jocelyn Pesquera said the program highlights the tourist spots which can be found on the mountain barangays in Cebu City.

Pesquera said 10 barangays have participated in the program. These are Barangays Tagbao, Sinsin, Tabunan, Sudlon 1, Sudlon 2, Babag, Buhisan, Bonbon, Budlaan and Adlaon.

This tourism program flaunts the city’s natural sites like falls, caves, pocket forests, eco and flower farms, as well as the various establishments in the mountain barangays.

The commission is now plotting the tour packages for the identified sites.

To be included in the promotion of the CCTC, the management of the tourist spots or establishments must have a business permit, must identify the kind of tourist spot or services it can offer, must have enough parking space considering roads on the mountain barangays are not that wide, must have no obstructions, and its facilities should be clean and sanitized.

Pesquera said as early as 2019, the CCTC had met with the barangay officials of the 34 mountain barangays to orient them on the program.

Pesquera said the commission also coordinates with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, especially for natural sites viable for tourism like the falls in Barangays Tagbao and Budlaan.

Cebu Island is known for its pristine white sand beaches, but since Cebu City doesn’t have these, Pesquera said promoting the highlands of Cebu is the way to go in attracting tourists.

“We are so proud of the beautiful sceneries in the mountains,” said Pesquera.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Council passed the resolution authored by Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, urging the executive department to allocate 10 hectares of land in the South Road Properties (SRP) which will be used as an open space park and recreation area.

Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said he supports such measure and will coordinate with the SRP Management Office on the matter.

Labella said the move can help the public in terms of mental health amid the Covid-19 pandemic.