The provincial governments of Cebu and Bohol entered into a sisterhood agreement as the Cebu Provincial Government recently hosted the joint session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of both provinces.
The session was jointly presided by Cebu Vice Governor Hilario Davide III and Bohol Vice Governor Tita Baja.
All sitting Provincial Board Members of the two island provinces were in attendance.
During the session, the two legislative bodies approved respectively en masse a resolution authorizing Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado to enter into, on behalf of their provinces, a sisterhood pact “to strengthen and foster inter-provinces’ bond of cooperation in relation to tourism, commerce, business and economy, and other shared benefits and growth for Region 7.”
In her speech before the joint session, Garcia called the two island provinces as “SugBohol” — an amalgamation of Cebu’s vernacular name of “Sugbo” and Bohol, as if to suggest that between the two neighboring islands exists a seemingly seamless relationship at the heart of the Visayas.
“We can share our stories with one goal in mind, to send that signal to the entire country: Watch out!”
“We can share our stories with one goal in mind, to send that signal to the entire country: Watch out! Watch out! What is left of Region 7, you have just given us the opportunity to become the economic powerhouse of the Visayas, and who knows, perhaps even the entire country,” the lady governor said.
The sisterhood pact comes in the wake of the recent reorganization leaving Central Visayas with just Cebu and Bohol, after the erstwhile member provinces of Siquijor and Negros Oriental have been separated to form the newly organized Negros Island Region.
“Collaboration is not just a byword; it is something that we must incorporate into our governance.”
“This gathering of legislators from the two provinces is a valuable opportunity to strengthen our unity as one region as we face a myriad of challenges that will shape Bohol and Cebu for years to come. As natural partners for genuine peace and development, collaboration is not just a byword; it is something that we must incorporate into our governance,” Aumentado said.
“With our shared history and heritage, I believe that Bohol and Cebu have what it takes to reach greater heights and become powerhouses of economic growth, social inclusion, and technological innovation in the entire country,” the Bohol governor concluded.