Bohol, Cebu PBs agree to sign sisterhood pact in historic joint session

Local

In a historic move, the Provincial Boards (PBs) of the provinces of Bohol and Cebu held a historic joint session where a landmark resolution was approved on Monday, November 18, at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

Presided over by Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide III and Bohol Vice Governor Tita Baja, the session saw the passing of a resolution wherein the two provinces will sign a sisterhood agreement.

The forging of sisterhood agreement came after the two provinces were left to compose Region 7 as Negros Oriental and Siquijor moved to the newly established Negros Island Region.

The resolution empowered Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado to formalize a sisterhood agreement that will foster collaboration in tourism, business, commerce, and economic development.

This agreement, called "SugBohol," is seen as a strategic effort to enhance the growth and resilience of both provinces, promoting regional unity and partnerships in governance.

By leveraging their shared resources and expertise, the two provinces aim to drive economic progress and strengthen their mutual ties.

The resolution was co-authored by Cebu Board Members Glenn Anthony Soco and Mike Villamor, alongside Bohol Board Member Jiselle Rae Aumentado Villamor.

It emphasizes a joint commitment to economic cooperation, investment promotion, poverty alleviation, and other shared priorities.

During the session, Evelyn Castro, assistant regional director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for Central Visayas, presented the economic implications of the region’s reorganization.

She explained that before the creation of the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas had a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of P1.287 trillion. With the loss of Negros Oriental and Siquijor, the new region now reports a GRDP of P1.108 trillion.

However, the combined economic output of Cebu and Bohol still constitutes the majority of the region’s former GRDP.

Following the session, Governor Garcia expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing that Cebu and Bohol were poised to become an economic powerhouse in the Visayas and beyond.

She introduced "SugBohol," a portmanteau of Cebu’s Visayan name "Sugbo" and Bohol, as the new identity for the region.

Aumentado echoed Garcia’s enthusiasm, highlighting the historical and cultural connections between Cebu and Bohol.

He underscored that their collaboration would open new avenues for growth, innovation, and opportunity, benefiting not just Central Visayas but the entire nation.

The formal signing of the sisterhood agreement will take place in Bohol, though the exact date is still to be determined.

Both governors are committed to enhancing regional cooperation in trade, business, tourism, and social exchanges, hoping that their partnership will set a precedent for other regions to follow.

This sisterhood agreement is anticipated to not only foster mutual growth but also improve governance and deepen the bond between the people of Cebu and Bohol.(MyTVCebu)