A bond shaped by shared history, culture, and close ties between neighboring islands entered a new phase as Cebu and Bohol formally established the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement to strengthen cooperation in governance and development.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado signed the agreement during ceremonies at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Bohol Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City.
The partnership serves as a framework for collaboration between the two provinces in tourism, trade, investment, agriculture, education, infrastructure, healthcare, fisheries, environmental protection, public administration, and disaster resilience.
Provincial officials said the agreement formalizes an existing relationship between Cebu and Bohol that has been sustained through generations of cultural exchanges, movement of people, and economic connections.
“Today is special because this Sisterhood Agreement simply puts into writing what has long existed between Cebu and Bohol. We have always been neighbors, partners, and friends,” Baricuatro said.
She said the two provinces share intertwined histories and cultures, with residents regularly moving between the islands for work, business, and personal connections.
“Our histories are intertwined, our cultures are closely connected, and even our people move between our islands as if crossing to visit family,” she added.
Baricuatro said the agreement reflects a commitment by both provincial governments to pursue shared goals and create opportunities that would benefit both Cebuanos and Boholanos.
“I truly believe that when leaders choose to work together instead of working separately, our people become the biggest winners,” she said.
The governor said the partnership is intended to serve as a platform for concrete cooperation in areas such as tourism development, commerce, agriculture, investment promotion, education, and disaster preparedness.
Aumentado said the agreement fulfilled a vision that began during the historic joint legislative session of the Cebu and Bohol provincial boards in November 2024.
“This is not a casual meeting for neighboring islands. This is the culmination of a vision sparked during our historic joint legislative session in November 2024,” Aumentado said.
He said the partnership aims to maximize Cebu’s role as a major aviation and business gateway while complementing Bohol’s eco-cultural tourism destinations and UNESCO Global Geopark recognition.
Aumentado added that both provinces will work together to strengthen trade, support local entrepreneurs, improve food supply chains, exchange governance practices, and advance environmental protection and climate resilience initiatives.
Bohol Vice Governor Pacifico Nicanor Besas Jr. said the agreement recognizes a relationship that existed even before it was formally documented.
“Today we celebrate a relationship that has existed long before any agreement was ever written,” Besas said.
He said the partnership represents a shared commitment to promoting tourism, trade, investment, education, culture, environmental stewardship, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco also emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation between the two provinces.
“This kind of unity does not happen by accident. It takes patience, trust and genuine goodwill between institutions and between people,” Soco said.
He said the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement should be viewed not only as a signed document but as a continuing commitment to advance shared development goals across Central Visayas.
Photo courtesy of Cebu Province
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