INQUIRER FILES
CEBU CITY — The provincial governments of Cebu and Bohol have agreed to forge a sisterhood agreement.
Known as SugBohol, the agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation in tourism, commerce, economy, other shared benefits, and growth for Central Visayas.
The provincial boards of Cebu and Bohol have approved the proposed resolution on the sisterhood agreement in a joint session at the Cebu Capitol social hall on Monday, Nov. 18.
Cebu Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III and Bohol Vice Gov. Tita Baja presided over the session. The 14 members of Bohol’s provincial board and the 17 members of Cebu’s provincial board were also present.
The resolution was jointly authored by Cebu Board Members Glenn Anthony Soco and Michael Joseph Villamor and co-authored by Bohol Board Member Jiselle Rae Villamor.
“The primary purpose of which (SugBohol) is to officially create and build cooperation and understanding on areas of trade and commerce, business and economy, best practices on local governance, cultural and social exchanges and other shared interests and opportunities for a more unified and united Region VII,” the resolution read.
One of the agreement’s major initiatives is the promotion of economic cooperation, commerce, investment, poverty alleviation, sectoral and community-based developments, and best practices in local governance.
Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado said the two provinces are writing history and forging an unbreakable bond.
“By joining forces, these two remaining provinces in Region 7 will prove to the nation that Central Visayas remains an economic powerhouse. This partnership will unlock new opportunities, foster mutual growth, and celebrate the rich historical kinship between the Boholanos and Cebuanos,” he added.
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said that since only Bohol and Cebu were left in Region 7, it would be known as “SugBohol” to describe a positive turn of events for the provinces.
“Watch out! Bohol and Cebu will become a powerhouse in the Visayas and the entire country,” she added.
Bohol, a popular tourist destination, has a population of 1.5 million, while Cebu with a 5.5-million population is known as the richest province in the country.