The National Economic and Development Authority in Central Visayas (NEDA-7) expressed optimism on Wednesday that the signing of the sisterhood agreement between the provinces of Cebu and Bohol will boost the economy for the region.

Despite losing the provinces of Negros Oriental and Siquijor to the Negros Island Region (NIR), Regional Development Council in Central Visayas (RDC-7) co-chairperson Kenneth Cobonpue cited that Cebu and Bohol account for 86 percent of the gross regional domestic product (GRDP) of Central Visayas.

This is based on the 2022 Provincial Product Accounts (PPA).

Central Visayas is set to lose P179 billion in economy or 14 percent when Negros Oriental and Siquijor officially join the NIR.

“This would mean that Central Visayas will remain a trillionaire region. Cebu and Bohol remain to be the largest contributor to our economic growth,” Cobonpue said.

He cited that the proposal to construct a bridge linking Cebu and Bohol would boost the tourism, transportation and consumer sectors.

The 2023 GRDP valued the region’s economy at P1.38 trillion.

Cebu contributes 30.1 percent of the income in Central Visayas while Negros Oriental chips in 12.9 percent and Siquijor with 0.9 percent.

Cebu City, on the other hand, contributes 22.4 percent, Bohol 13.3 percent, Lapu-Lapu City 11.8 percent, and Mandaue City with 8.5 percent.