BOHOL, PHILIPPINES — Governor Aris Aumentado of Bohol and Governor Pamela Baricuatro of Cebu signed the SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement on July 31, 2026, at the Ceremonial Hall of the New Provincial Capitol. The pact promises to turn two of the country’s most beloved destinations into a single, seamless travel experience for visitors from around the world.
A Dream of Interconnected Shores
The signing formalized what centuries of shared culture and language had already built. Vice Governors Nick Besas Jr. and Glenn Anthony Soco witnessed the ceremony alongside legislative leaders from both provinces. The agreement moves beyond symbolic handshakes, creating a roadmap for joint tourism, trade, and disaster resilience programs.
Governor Aumentado said the vision was sparked during a historic joint legislative session in late 2024. He expressed confidence that the partnership will ensure a tourist footprint in Cebu naturally extends into a journey through Bohol. The two provinces aim to design inter‑island travel corridors and shared marketing campaigns that will keep visitors exploring longer.
Bridging Two Tourism Powerhouses
Cebu serves as the region’s primary international air and maritime gateway, welcoming millions of travelers annually. Bohol, designated as the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, offers pristine natural wonders like the Chocolate Hills and world‑class dive sites. The SugBohol pact links these strengths, promising smoother ferry connections and coordinated promotional efforts.
Governor Baricuatro noted that the agreement simply puts into writing what has long existed between the two provinces. Their histories and cultures have always been closely connected. She added that when leaders choose collaboration over competition, ordinary people become the biggest winners.
The partnership also covers trade and investment, allowing micro, small, and medium enterprises easier access to inter‑provincial markets. Agricultural supply chains between the islands will be strengthened, ensuring food security and stable prices for both Boholanos and Cebuanos. Joint support for local artisans and food producers will open new economic opportunities.
Shared Strength in Times of Calamity
Beyond tourism and commerce, the sisterhood addresses a critical need: coordinated disaster response. Both provinces face similar risks from typhoons and climate‑related hazards. The agreement aligns their risk reduction protocols and emergency response teams, ensuring faster, more effective assistance during calamities.
The Camotes Sea, which separates the two islands, will become a corridor of cooperation rather than a barrier. Environmental protection initiatives will be jointly managed, preserving the marine ecosystems that underpin both provinces’ tourism appeal. This shared stewardship reinforces the region’s reputation as a sustainable travel destination.
A Model for Regional Unity
The SugBohol Sisterhood was authorized through a joint resolution passed by both provincial boards. Board Member Malcolm Sanchez, who championed the resolution in Cebu, emphasized that the agreement is a testament to what neighboring provinces can achieve when they combine their strengths. The two governments have already formed a Technical Working Group to turn promises into concrete projects.
For tourists, the agreement signals a future where a morning dive off Panglao can be followed by an evening dinner in Cebu City without logistical hassles. The historic signing marks the beginning of a partnership that promises not only economic growth but also a deeper sense of shared identity across the sea.
