By Helen Castaño | 04:00 PM July 31, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol and Cebu took a major step toward strengthening regional cooperation after their provincial governments formally signed the historic SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement on Friday, July 31, at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Bohol Provincial Capitol.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro led the signing of the agreement, which seeks to deepen collaboration in tourism, trade, investments, agriculture, education, disaster resilience, digital governance, infrastructure, environmental protection, and other areas of mutual interest.
In her message, Baricuatro said the agreement formalizes the long-standing friendship between the two 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. Our histories are intertwined, our cultures are closely connected, and even our people move between our islands as if crossing to visit family,” she said.
The Cebu governor said the partnership is anchored on a common vision of creating more opportunities for both provinces.
“I truly believe that when leaders choose to work together instead of working separately, our people become the biggest winners,” she added.
Aumentado described the agreement as a modern-day expression of the spirit of the historic Sandugo or Blood Compact, saying it symbolizes unity and shared progress.
He said the SugBohol partnership aims to capitalize on Cebu’s position as an international gateway and Bohol’s reputation as a premier eco-cultural destination and Unesco Global Geopark.
“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,” Aumentado said.
He added that the alliance would also strengthen trade and investments, support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improve food security, promote infrastructure development, and encourage the exchange of best practices in governance, digital innovation, environmental conservation, and disaster preparedness.
“We are no longer separated by the Camotes Sea; we are bound together by an ancient covenant of mutual respect,” the governor said.
Present during the ceremony were Cebu Vice Governor Glenn Anthony Soco and members of the Cebu Provincial Board, Bohol Vice Governor Pacifico Nicanor Besas Jr. and members of the Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Provincial Administrator Atty. Joseph Ace Durano, Bohol Second District Rep. Vanessa Aumentado, Capitol officials, and representatives from the private sector.
Officials from both provinces expressed optimism that the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement will strengthen economic ties, improve public services, and promote sustainable and inclusive development for the people of Bohol and Cebu.
