CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government has invited officials from the Bohol provincial government, led by Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, for a joint session aimed at fostering inter-province exchanges.
The discussion aims to align the plans and programs of both Cebu and Bohol to achieve a more unified Central Visayas.
This initiative follows the passage of Republic Act No. 12000, which established the Negros Island Region.
This new law separated Negros Oriental and Siquijor from Central Visayas and merged them with Negros Occidental.
With the creation of the Negros Island Region, Central Visayas now consists of Cebu Province, Bohol, and the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue.
“With the new composition of the Central Visayas region, this Body supports the intention of both the local chief executives of the Provinces of Cebu and Bohol and in relation to the same, is delighted to invite and host a joint session for both provinces in order to provide a setting to allow dialogues and interchanges for the plans and programs of both provinces for a unified and united Region VII,” reads the resolution authored by board member Glenn Anthony Soco during the provincial board’s regular session on Monday, November 11.
The Province of Cebu also wants to pursue a sisterhood agreement between Cebu Province and Bohol “which shall confirm the cooperation and understanding of both jurisdictions as regards both provinces’ goals and efforts for the betterment of its constituents.”
The joint session is scheduled for November 18 at 2 p.m. at the Social Hall, Legislative building of the Cebu Provincial Capitol. –/ATO (FREEMAN)