Cebu, South Cotabato forge sisterhood ties

CEBU, Philippines - The provinces of Cebu and South Cotabato have formally established a sisterhood relationship following a recent signing of a memorandum of understanding.

The signing was done during the visit of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to South Cotabato on Monday upon the invitation of Governor Arthur Pingoy to grace the T’Nalak Festival in Koronadal City.

“Natandog gyud ko kaayo sa ilang kalipay nga akong giadto. They felt so honored that the governor of what they consider, everybody considers as the number one province in this country would come to South Cotabato,” Garcia told reporters.

Garcia said her visit was considered a big boost to South Cotabato’s image knowing the fact that bad news from Mindanao affects other beautiful places in that southern island.

“I saw that nindot kaayo ni ang probinsiya sa South Cotabato, matahum kaayo ang mga tawo pareha nato ka warm and hospitable, kamaabi-abihon,” Garcia said.

Garcia also learned that many Cebuanos have settled in the place. When she asked the crowd during her speech “may ara ba ako mga utod diri sa Cebu,” loud applause followed.

She also invited Pingoy and other local officials to visit Cebu and witness the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals on August 13.

Garcia also wanted South Cotabato to send contingent for the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

A booth at the One Cebu Expo will also be allocated for South Cotabato to showcase its products and tourist destinations. — (FREEMAN)