Bohol and Cebu ushered in a new era of regional cooperation as the two provinces formally signed the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement during the SugBohol Sisterhood Signing and Kick-Off Celebration at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City.
Governor Aris Aumentado and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the historic signing, affirming a partnership that strengthens collaboration in tourism, trade, investment, agriculture, education, culture, environmental stewardship, disaster resilience, and good governance.
The agreement realizes a shared vision first established during the historic joint legislative session of the two provinces in November 2024.
Under the agreement, Bohol and Cebu committed to expanding cooperation in tourism, commerce, economic development, governance, and public administration through joint initiatives, trade and investment promotion, support for local enterprises, and the exchange of best practices to improve the quality of life of both Boholanos and Cebuanos.
The SugBohol brand was likewise adopted as a symbol of solidarity between the two provinces.
Aumentado described the pact as a renewed covenant inspired by the spirit of the historic Sandugo.
“The agreement is expected to boost inter-island tourism and economic development by combining Cebu’s role as an international aviation and business hub with Bohol’s globally recognized eco-cultural attractions and UNESCO Global Geopark,” the governor said.
“By developing seamless inter-island travel corridors and shared marketing, we ensure that a tourist footprint in Cebu naturally extends into a journey through Bohol.”
“By developing seamless inter-island travel corridors and shared marketing, we ensure that a tourist footprint in Cebu naturally extends into a journey through Bohol,” he stressed.
Aumentado added both provinces would strengthen food supply chains, support local entrepreneurs, share best governance practices, and deepen cooperation on environmental protection, digital governance, and climate and disaster resilience.
Baricuatro, on the other hand, affirmed that the partnership marks the beginning of deeper collaboration and a lasting commitment for future generations.
“We have always been neighbors, partners, and friends. Our histories are intertwined, our cultures are closely connected, and even our people move between our islands as if crossing to visit family,” the lady governor said.
“When leaders choose to work together instead of working separately, our people become the biggest winners.”
“I truly believe that when leaders choose to work together instead of working separately, our people become the biggest winners,” she added.
Baricuatro said she looks forward to the opportunities the sisterhood agreement would create across various sectors in both provinces.
