By Helen Castaño, I. Inojales | 11:38 AM June 11, 2025
Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado on Wednesday said that the provinces of Cebu and Bohol are now planning to seal the sisterhood agreement.
“Following the NIR’s creation, our two provinces are now planning to seal a sisterhood agreement, not just to strengthen friendship, but to institutionalize cooperation and co-creation of solutions — so that with less, we will be more,” said Aumentado, chairman of Regional Development Council (RDC), during his 2025 State of the Region Address (Sora) of RDC’s 2nd quarter full council meeting held at the Bohol Capitol.
The event was attended by RDC co-chairperson Kenneth Cobonpue, local chief executives, district representatives, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) 7 RD Jennifer Bretaña, RDC Secretary and DEPDev ARD Evelyn Nacario-Castro, regional directors and heads of offices, and other stakeholders.
Last year, the provincial boards of Cebu and Bohol approved the proposed resolution on the sisterhood agreement in a joint session at the Cebu Capitol social hall which attended by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Aumentado.
Known as SugBohol, the agreement seeks to strengthen cooperation in tourism, commerce, economy, other shared benefits, and growth for Central Visayas.
Aumentado said that exactly a year ago today, on June 11, 2024, Negros Oriental and Siquijor became part of the Negros Island Region.
“While we are saddened by this development, we have shown, ug magpasalamat ta sa Ginoo, that Central Visayas can now stand strong as SugBohol—the dynamic duo of Cebu and Bohol,” he said.
He said that more than just a geographic configuration, SugBohol is a bold idea that two provinces can grow in tandem and demonstrate the power of collaboration – grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and complementary strengths.
“Let me say this: SugBohol will be our national showcase—a platform to demonstrate how two provinces, united in purpose, can become a powerhouse of innovation, economic dynamism, and inclusive development,” he said.
Aumentado also reported that the Central Visayas emerged as the fastest-growing economy in the Philippines.
Aumentado said that the Gross Regional Domestic Product surged to ₱1.276 trillion — posting a strong 7.3% growth rate.
