CEBU — Hours after inking the historic SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro addressed the closing ceremony of the 5th Sandugo Tourism and Travel Expo at Island City Mall on July 31, 2026. She declared that the partnership with Bohol would unlock new tourism opportunities across Central Visayas while safeguarding the livelihoods that depend on the industry.
A United Front for Regional Tourism
Governor Baricuatro described the alliance as a natural extension of centuries‑old ties between the two provinces. She stressed that collaboration, rather than competition, will allow Cebu and Bohol to pool their strengths and present the region as a single, vibrant destination. The expo itself, she noted, was proof of what government, communities, and the private sector can achieve when they work hand in hand.
The SugBohol pact formalizes joint efforts in tourism promotion, trade, and infrastructure, creating seamless travel corridors between Cebu’s international gateway and Bohol’s UNESCO Global Geopark. This integrated approach is expected to lengthen visitor stays and spread economic benefits more evenly across both islands. For travelers, it promises smoother ferry connections and coordinated travel packages.
Sustainability as a Shared Commitment
Baricuatro placed sustainability at the heart of her message, defining it as more than protecting natural wonders. She framed it as a moral obligation to secure the futures of the people behind every tour, souvenir, local delicacy, and cultural performance. Her words resonated with the audience of tourism officers, local entrepreneurs, and artisans who filled the mall atrium.
The governor’s call echoed the broader vision of the SugBohol agreement, which includes environmental stewardship and disaster resilience as key pillars. By aligning their conservation efforts, Cebu and Bohol aim to preserve the pristine beaches, marine sanctuaries, and heritage sites that draw millions of visitors annually. Long‑term sustainability, she argued, is the only way to ensure that tourism remains a reliable engine of growth for generations.
Protecting the People Behind Every Experience
Beyond the policy frameworks, the governor’s speech painted a human picture of the tourism industry. She spoke of the tricycle driver who ferries visitors to a hidden beach, the weaver whose craft becomes a cherished souvenir, and the cook whose recipe becomes a traveler’s most memorable meal. For Baricuatro, sustainable tourism means protecting these everyday stories from being erased by unchecked development or economic shocks.
The Sandugo Tourism and Travel Expo, held annually as part of Bohol’s month‑long Sandugo Festival, showcased precisely these grassroots enterprises. Baricuatro’s presence at the closing ceremony, accompanied by nine Cebu Provincial Board members, underscored the political will behind the sisterhood. It signaled that the partnership would not remain on paper but would translate into tangible support for local businesses.
A Model for Regional Unity
The SugBohol Sisterhood Agreement is being hailed as a blueprint for inter‑provincial cooperation in the Philippines. Together, Cebu and Bohol account for over 86 percent of Central Visayas’ gross regional domestic product. By joining forces, they create a formidable economic bloc that can attract larger investments and compete more effectively in the global tourism market.
The partnership also addresses shared challenges such as climate change, waste management, and disaster response. Baricuatro reiterated that neighboring islands are not rivals but partners with a shared destiny. The expo closing became a celebration not just of Bohol’s heritage but of a new chapter in regional collaboration, one that promises to make Central Visayas one of the most welcoming and resilient destinations in the country.
