The Provinces of Cebu and Zamboanga Sibugay are now officially sister provinces after their respective governors signed a memorandum of agreement to that effect on Thursday, October 12, at the Capitol Social Hall.
The sisterhood agreement will maximize the promotion of culture, commerce, tourism, environmental preservation, and governance for both provinces.
As a sign of good will, Cebu Province will also construct one tourist rest area in Zamboanga Sibugay in a place to be determined by the LGU.
Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Dulce Ann Hofer, who was born and raised in Cebu, expressed excitement and optimism that the pact would bring gains for her young province in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
“The significance of the sisterhood cannot be overstated; it will open up a world of opportunities for us to learn from one another,” Hofer said.
Gov. Gwen Garcia, who is celebrating her birthday, considered it a birthday gift to have forged a win-win partnership with Zamboanga Sibugay, an emerging tourism destination in Mindanao, ripe in economic potentials and a vibrant Cebuano-speaking populace.
Cebu Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III and Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Rey Andre Olegario also signed as witnesses to the agreement. The event was also attended by the members of the Provincial Boards of both provinces. | Babie Jane Revecoy