CEBU CITY – History was made when provincial board members from Cebu and Bohol held their first-ever joint session at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall on Monday, Nov. 18.
A resolution that will pave the way for a sisterhood agreement between the two provinces was passed during the session.
BOHOL Gov. Aris Aumentado delivers a speech during the joint session of the provincial boards of Bohol and Cebu on Monday, Nov. 18, at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall. (Calvin D. Cordova)
Though the date of the signing is yet to be determined, the agreement was seen to give immense benefits to the neighboring provinces.
The agreement came after the two provinces were left to compose Region 7 following the signing of the Negros Island Region Act (RA 12000) effectively removing Negros Oriental and Siquijor from Central Visayas by President Ferdinand R. Marcos last June.
The agreement would cover cooperation in tourism, commerce, business and economy, and other shared benefits and growth in Region 7.
Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia and Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado observed the proceedings of the session. The two governors were ecstatic about the landmark resolution.
“Pagkanindot ning hitaboa, duha na lang ta (This is a great development, it’s only the two of us). And yet with our people, hard-working, never allowing any hardship to bring us down, we could send out the notice to the entire Visayas, kining nahibilin sa (those who are left in) Region 7, Bohol ug Cebu: Watch out! We will be the economic powerhouse of the entire Visayas,” Garcia added.
The two governors disclosed that they will push to rename the region composing the two provinces as “SugBohol” as they expressed willingness to forge closer ties and collaborate on programs and developmental projects.
“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,” Garcia said.
As chairman of the Regional Development Council-Central Visayas, Aumentado initiated the forging deeper ties with Cebu through the agreement.
“When the NIR was created, I realized why not strengthen our relationship with Cebu,” said Aumentado.
Aumentado said Bohol will have a lot to benefit from the agreement.
“Cebu is the leader when it comes to economic activities. We need their expertise. Cebu will be there to guide us especially since we have invited investors in our province and I think they are ahead of us in that aspect. We need their advice so that our bid to invite more investors will be successful,” Aumentado said.