Iloilo, South Cotabato link up for growth

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The provinces of Iloilo and South Cotabato have formally established a sisterhood agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation in agriculture, tourism, commerce, and economic development.

The partnership was sealed through a memorandum of understanding signed by Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. on June 17 at the Casa Real de Iloilo Grand Social Hall.

Under the agreement, the two provinces committed to fostering interprovincial collaboration and pursuing initiatives that would support mutual economic growth.

South Cotabato seeks to maximize the partnership to strengthen its agro-industrial value chains, logistics networks, and tourism industry, while Iloilo aims to broaden its development programs while sustaining its strong agricultural sector.

Beyond economic cooperation, the agreement highlights the shared cultural heritage between the two provinces.

Tamayo, who also serves as national president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines, noted his family’s roots in Iloilo’s 1st District.

According to him, some residents of South Cotabato are Hiligaynon speakers whose ancestral roots trace back to Iloilo.

The sisterhood pact marks Iloilo’s latest effort to build partnerships with other local government units.

Earlier this year, on Jan. 24, the province entered into a sisterhood agreement with the city of San Juan in Metro Manila.