Skip to main content

FROM FISHERS TO BIRDERS: THE BOJO RIVER STORY

Feb 29, 2024

The municipality of Aloguinsan, Province of Cebu, Philippines is a 3rd class municipality which is located at the remote place in southwest part of the province. It consists of 15 Barangays with 3 coastal areas, and one of it is Barangay Bojo where the hidden beauty of Bojo River lies.

The main livelihood of the locals are fishing, farming and being a laborer. It’s disheartening that dissatisfaction and ignorance of the law can sometimes lead to illegal practices like fishing and farming. The Local Government Unit ( LGU) of Aloguinsan find a sustainable and legal alternatives that could help preserve the environment and promote responsible practices in the community like “sustainable tourism”.

In 2009, the LGU of Aloguinsan conducted various training workshops and seminars for fishermen, farmers and housewives about ecotourism and sustainable tourism. After 4 months of undergoing the different trainings, the BOJO ALOGUINSAN ECOTOURISM ASSOCIATION ( BAETAS )  was organized and launched the Bojo River Eco-Cultural Tour on June 14, 2009  to the tourists which aims at preserving and protecting the 1.4 km river where 24 species of mangroves, 61 species of birds live,  the different species of corals in the Tañon Strait, conserve local culture and tradition, promote the town and having sustainable livelihood.

Not long after opening to the public, it captivated the interest of both local and international tourists. From 2009 up to 2022 the tourist arrival reached up to 300,000 which earns a total receipts of 39.5 million pesos, 896,000 pesos for community projects, have help 4,000 families and invested 3 million pesos for the infrastructure.

BAETAS implemented different projects and programs that can help the local people such as conducting medical mission, feeding program, giving assistance to the elderly, giving school supplies and funding scholarship program. Additionally, BAETAS is implementing a program for mangrove rehabilitation and reforestation, along with monthly river and coastal clean-ups.

In 2015 up to present the Bojo River received 4 National awards and 6 International Awards such as:

  • UNEP PATA INSPIRE AWARD Philippines, 2015, ASEAN AWARD Singapore, 2017,
  • 2016 GLOBAL TOP 100 SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION AWARD Slovenia, September 2016,
  • 2017 GLOBAL TOP 100 SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION AWARD Portugal, September 2017,
  • 2018 GLOBAL TOP 100 SUSTAINABLE DESTINATION AWARD Germany, September 2018,
  • 2021 BEST ECOTOURSIM VILLAGES, December 2021, and
  • LOCAL TOURISM AWARD AT 31ST SKAL INTERNATIONAL MAKATI TOURISM AWARDS ON OCTOBER 26, 2023, Philippines.
  • LOCAL TOURISM AWARD AT 31ST SKAL INTERNATIONAL MAKATI TOURISM AWARDS ON OCTOBER 26, 2023, Philippines.

Fortuitously, numerous opportunities have arrived in our association. We partnered with different travel agencies and government agencies providing fundings. Additionally, we successfully collaborated with various. universities. Recently, we have a new partnership with Erasmus+  project through “ECOVIP. This project can help our association  broaden our campaign about responsible travel, not only in local market but also in the international market.

As the United Nations created the Sustainable Development Goals, this project answers some of the SDG’s such as “No to Poverty, this project helps the local community to have an alternative income that help them in financial problem; Good Health and well-being” one of objective of this project is to preserve and protect the environment where it can lead to clean and fresh air as well as healthy environment; “Gender equality” that is project treat men and women equally because some the paddlers guide are women; “ To provide decent work for local people and improve the economic growth of the town by providing livelihood for fishermen, farmers and housewives. The association contributes the local government around 5 million since the project started in 2009.

Women welcome the guests with local song.

Fishermen as local interpreter

Today, Bojo River plays a significant role in our town, contributing in our economy through tourism, bringing fame to our town, providing livelihoods for our members and being recognized as one of  the ecotourism destinations in the  Philippines.

Comments

aseniwo (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:43
Researching for the most affordable options for deterring insects? Stop here. Find the [URL=https://bluemooncafedothan.com/prednisone/ - get prednisone on the nhs[/URL - right away. X-plore the myriad benefits of Amoxil for bacterial infections. Whether you're looking to purchase for your home medicine cabinet, amoxil net virtually can be a seamless process. You can purchase efficient treatment for your condition from the https://altavillaspa.com/dapoxetine/ , ensuring a discreet and secure transaction. Discover a safe way to boost your wellbeing: [URL=https://yourdirectpt.com/item/vidalista/ - walmart vidalista price[/URL - .

iqikenaha (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:45
In need of effective antibiotic treatment? [URL=https://suddenimpactli.com/doxycycline/ - doxycycline online pharmacy[/URL - to combat infections caused by bacteria. This budget-friendly solution is straightforward to obtain and helps in managing numerous of medical conditions. Buy Browse the site to find https://phovillages.com/generic-amoxicillin-uk/ , ensuring you obtain top-quality antibiotic solutions at unbeatable prices. Visit [URL=https://heavenlyhappyhour.com/retin-a-without-a-doctors-prescription/ - order retin a online[/URL - to buy cost-effective pharmacy products online.

ahawkizariz (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:49
Zero in on unparalleled deals for your health needs; uncover unrivaled offers on [URL=https://sarahvuongbridaljewellery.com/item/tadalafil-20mg/ - tadalafil 20mg[/URL - now. Considering the myriad options for baldness solutions, acquiring nizagara could be your most cost-effective choice. Xplore a wide array of options for enhancing your health with https://shilpaotc.com/imiquad-cream/ .

olyoled (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:52
I discovered the most reliable method to acquire Acticin cream for topical use is through [URL=https://seraamedia.org/levitra/ - best way to buy levitra[/URL - , offering a seamless, hassle-free experience. Keeping your health optimal is vital. Discover competitive best place buy prednisone 10 mg online online and start your journey to better well-being now. Discover an effective way to boost your wellbeing: https://embroidery-fun.com/viagra-no-prescription/ . Xperience the best way to boost your vitality by opting to [URL=https://myhealthincheck.com/cialis/ - generic cialis in canada[/URL - .

ewugamumugojo (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:55
Visit our website to obtain your medication with ease; [URL=https://karachigo.com/nizagara/ - nizagara 25mg[/URL - is available for immediate dispatch. Discover your solution for enhanced vitality; search for reliable options and buy viagra today. Questioning where to find Ciprofloxacin without overpaying? Uncover the https://mypurelifefoods.com/price-of-cipro/ and save on your pharmacy expenses.

ufevuje (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:56
With joint discomfort becoming an increasing concern, explore [URL=https://hip-hope.com/item/propecia/ - propecia[/URL - for alleviation. This product provides a potent way to handle your issues. Yes, to address your symptoms effectively, you may purchase lasix information . When seeking https://marksgroupbd.com/drug/lasix/ , consider exploring diverse e-commerce platforms to secure cost-effective treatment options. Conveniently secure your [URL=https://charlotteelliottinc.com/product/verapamil/ - generic verapamil fast shipping[/URL - today with quick shipping.

opeobope (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:58
Various methods exist to secure essential medications, yet finding a reliable source can be a challenge. Considering options to purchase super p-force could be a answer for those in need. "Get the best price on ocular treatment when you acquire free prednisone online . Protect your vision with our leading solution now." Visit https://minimallyinvasivesurgerymis.com/secnidazole/ to secure your medication without a doctor's approval. Visit our website for securing your supply of prednisone uk where , ensuring cost-effective treatment options.

aucotae (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 18:59
X-plore the multitude of advantages by choosing to acquire your [URL=https://ormondbeachflorida.org/canadian-propecia/ - propecia without a doctors prescription[/URL - through the internet, ensuring discretion, convenience, and competitive rates. When considering bone density improvement, looking into prednisone sales india is essential. It provides individuals a route to enhance their bones effectively. Discover secure ways to obtain your medications with ease; https://embroidery-fun.com/product/buy-prednisone-online-canada/ offers a reliable solution for improving your wellness. Having trouble finding where to get your medication? Look no further, visit [URL=https://marcagloballlc.com/drugs/prednisone/ - prednisone from canada[/URL - to purchase your medication with ease from the comfort of your home.

ixoxele (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 19:00
Discover affordable solutions for ED by visiting [URL=https://seraamedia.org/cialis/ - cialis 20mg[/URL - , where you can purchase your drugs effortlessly. Many are looking for effective treatments; discover safe options and secure ventolin without a prescription . X-plore your options for anxiety relief with a click to https://mypurelifefoods.com/hydroxychloroquine/ , where acquiring effective medication is at your fingertips. Quickly discover your solution for premature ejaculation with [URL=https://lilliputsurgery.com/dapoxetine-30mg/ - dapoxetine 30mg[/URL - , available online.

azedejusaxevu (not verified) Wed, 08/06/2025 - 19:08
Just discovered, [URL=https://mypurelifefoods.com/amoxicillin-uk/ - amoxicillin uk[/URL - offers a breakthrough option for patients seeking alternatives. Now, secure your quantity with ease. Seeking to comprehend global trends in heart condition treatments, nexium 40 mg achat provides an in-depth look into usage patterns, this key medication. Given the need for trustworthy laxative solutions, considering https://usctriathlon.com/product/vidalista/ could be a judicious decision.

Add new comment