BY DAVE SUAN ALBARADO
The provinces of Cebu and Bohol have sealed a sisterhood pact, strengthening their ties in areas such as tourism, commerce, and economics.
The agreement was unanimously approved during a joint session of the provincial boards of the two Central Visayas provinces on Nov. 18, 2024. Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide Jr. and Bohol Vice Governor Tita Baja led the session.
The resolution, authored by board members Glenn Soco, Michael Joseph Villamor, and Jiselle Rae Villamor, envisions to foster cooperation between the two provinces and promote the growth of Central Visayas.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia expressed optimism that the remaining provinces of Central Visayas will soon become an economic powerhouse, despite the departure of Negros Oriental and Siquijor to form the Negros Island Region.
Garcia believes that Cebu and Bohol can form a formidable team, driving economic progress through key sectors such as services and tourism.
She also expressed her willingness to support Bohol’s tourism sector, which could help reduce poverty incidence in the region.
The governor proposed that the region be referred to as SugBohol to define a shared identity and vision for the future.
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado showed support for Cebu’s tourism sector by participating in the Suroy Suroy sa Sugbo event.
The sisterhood agreement, reports said, will further strengthen the relationship between Cebu and Bohol, the only remaining provinces in Region 7 after the creation of the Negros Island Region.