The Provincial Government of Bohol, led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, warmly welcomed Her Excellency Anna Ferry, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to the Philippines, during her official visit to the Provincial Capitol on January 5, 2026, marking another milestone in the province’s growing international engagements.
Ambassador Ferry was accompanied by her spouse, Alex Ferry, and Jay Bernaldez of MKLA-Coop. The visit formed part of the Ambassador’s familiarization tour of the province, highlighting Bohol’s local industries, sustainability initiatives, and potential areas for collaboration.
The Swedish Ambassador was welcomed at the Provincial Capitol by Vice Governor Nick Besas, together with Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte and other provincial officials, including Board Member Lucille Lagunay, Bohol Provincial Tourism Office Officer-in-Charge Joanne Pinat, Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office Head Maria Fe Dominise, Executive Assistant Nunila Pinat, and Supervising Administrative Officer John Maraguinot.
Discussions during the courtesy call centered on the key industries that drive Bohol’s local economy, particularly agriculture-based enterprises and community-led cooperatives. Tourism development and renewable energy initiatives were also among the major topics, reflecting the province’s commitment to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship.
As part of her visit, Ambassador Ferry and her delegation were scheduled to tour various parts of Bohol and visit cooperatives engaged in coconut oil production and carabao dairy farming. These sectors showcase Bohol’s strong cooperative movement and its emphasis on value-added agricultural products that support rural livelihoods.
The visit underscored Bohol’s openness to international partnerships and knowledge exchange, especially in the areas of sustainability, inclusive development, and green innovation, as aligned with the Strategic Governance Roadmap.
As the Philippines’ first and only UNESCO Global Geopark, the province continues to position itself as a model for balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Ambassador Ferry’s visit reflects growing interest from the international community in Bohol’s development path, reinforcing the province’s role as a hub for sustainable tourism, responsible investment, and community-based enterprise in the region. (PIMO/MAPI)
