The provinces of Cebu and Bohol are set to formalize their long-standing SugBohol Sisterhood initiative after the Cebu provincial government approved the signing of a partnership agreement that aims to strengthen collaboration across multiple sectors.
During its regular session on July 20, the 17th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu passed a resolution authorizing Gov. Pamela Baricuatro to sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado on behalf of the provincial government. The ceremonial signing of the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement is scheduled on July 31 in Bohol.
The resolution, sponsored by provincial board member Malcolm Sanchez, reaffirmed Cebu's commitment to Joint Resolution 01-2024, which was previously adopted by the legislative bodies of both provinces to establish the partnership.
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Partnership to Cover Key Development Areas
Once formalized, the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement will serve as a framework for closer cooperation between Cebu and Bohol in tourism, commerce, trade, business promotion, economic development, infrastructure, and other programs that both provincial governments may jointly pursue.
The proposed partnership also includes possible collaboration in agriculture, fisheries, education, health, culture, environmental protection, disaster resilience, digital governance, public administration, and other areas of shared interest.
The initiative traces its roots to the historic joint session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu and Bohol on Nov. 18, 2024, when both legislative bodies unanimously approved their commitment to create the SugBohol Sisterhood. Following that milestone, Bohol prepared the draft agreement and transmitted it to Cebu through Gov. Aumentado for review and eventual execution.
Technical Working Group to Oversee Implementation
While the agreement has yet to be formally signed, the Cebu provincial board said both provinces remain committed to pursuing the objectives outlined in Joint Resolution 01-2024 through the partnership.
To support implementation, Cebu will establish a technical working group (TWG) that will coordinate with its counterpart in Bohol. The TWG will be composed of board members Stanley Caminero, Lakambini Reluya, Malcolm Sanchez, Nelson Mondigo, Raymond Calderon, and Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Pulchra Marie Acevedo.
The group will be responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating programs and activities that will be carried out under the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement once it takes effect.
The approved resolution also grants Gov. Baricuatro the authority to introduce revisions or modifications to the draft agreement, provided these remain consistent with the objectives of Joint Resolution 01-2024 and existing laws.
The partnership is expected to strengthen ties between two of the Visayas' key provinces by encouraging coordinated development initiatives that can boost local economies, improve public services, and create more opportunities in tourism, trade, agriculture, and infrastructure.
For residents of Cebu and Bohol, closer provincial cooperation could translate into better connectivity, expanded investments, and more efficient government programs that support long-term regional growth.
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