Cebu, Bohol sign sisterhood pact

CEBU, Philippines — Centuries of shared history between Cebu and Bohol took a formal step forward on Friday as the two provinces signed the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement, committing to closer collaboration in tourism, trade, investment, education, disaster resilience and other key development areas.

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, witnessed by provincial officials from both islands.

The partnership seeks to strengthen cooperation in tourism, trade, investment, agriculture, education, infrastructure, fisheries, health, culture, environmental protection, governance, disaster resilience and other initiatives aimed at advancing development across Central Visayas.

While no traditional Sandugo or blood compact was reenacted, officials said the agreement symbolizes the enduring friendship and shared heritage between the neighboring provinces.

"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.

"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 both provincial governments' commitment to pursue progress through collaboration rather than working independently.

"I truly believe that when leaders choose to work together instead of working separately, our people become the biggest winners," the Cebu governor said.

Aumentado described the signing as the realization of a vision first pursued 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.

Drawing inspiration from Bohol's historic Sandugo, he said the provinces are renewing a centuries-old bond of friendship through modern governance. While the original blood compact was "not sealed with ink but with life itself," he said the present agreement embodies the same spirit of mutual respect and shared destiny.

Aumentado said the partnership aims to combine Cebu's position as a global aviation and business hub with Bohol's internationally recognized eco-cultural attractions and UNESCO Global Geopark through seamless inter-island tourism and joint promotional efforts.

He added that both provinces also intend to expand trade opportunities, support micro, small and medium enterprises, strengthen food supply chains, exchange governance best practices, promote digital governance, protect the environment, and enhance climate adaptation and disaster resilience.

Calling the accord "a living blueprint," Aumentado said it is intended to deliver concrete and lasting benefits rather than remain a symbolic document.

Bohol Vice Governor Pacifico Nicanor Besas Jr. likewise emphasized that the signing merely formalized a relationship that had existed for generations.

"Today we celebrate a relationship that has existed long before any agreement was ever written," Besas said. "Ang Sugbo ug Bohol dili lang silingan kundi igsuon gyud ta sa kasaysayan, sa kultura, sa pinulungan ug sa espiritu sa atong katawhan."

He added that "when neighboring provinces collaborate rather than compete, everyone prospers."

Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco echoed the same sentiment, stressing that meaningful partnerships are built on trust and sustained cooperation.

"This kind of unity does not happen by accident. It takes patience, trust and genuine goodwill between institutions and between people," Soco said.

He urged both provinces to regard the agreement not simply as a signed document but as a continuing commitment.

"SugBohol dili lang sa usa ka kasabutan, kini gipatunhay nga pagsalig nga ang Bohol ug ang Sugbo karon ug sa umaabot magkuyog sa dalan sa pag-uswag," Soco added.

The SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement traces its roots to Joint Resolution No. 01-2024, adopted during the historic joint session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu and Bohol on Nov. 18, 2024.

The Cebu Provincial Board subsequently authorized Baricuatro to sign the agreement through a resolution approved during its regular session on July 20.

To oversee its implementation, Cebu will create a technical working group composed of Provincial Board Members Stanley Caminero, Lakambini Reluya, Malcolm Sanchez, Nelson Mondigo, Raymond Calderon and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Pulchra Marie Acevedo. The group will coordinate, monitor and evaluate programs and projects undertaken under the sisterhood partnership.(CEBU NEWS)