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

azitoeduwuzj (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:10
Just discovered [URL=https://seraamedia.org/amoxicillin/ - amoxil kaufen 500[/URL - ? Explore available options to buy your supply online. Gain immediate access to dapoxetine and alleviate your worries with a quick tap. Considering various treatment options for OCD? Explore the benefits of https://nabba-us.com/product/kamagra/ and find out how it can help in managing your symptoms effectively.

egaegijezecaz (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:10
Exploring options for acquiring [URL=https://tv-in-pc.com/pill/lasix/ - lasix[/URL - ? Discover how to obtain your treatment without hassle via the internet. Yes, securing the generic amoxicillin from india can be simple when you look on the internet. I always recommend consulting a healthcare professional before deciding to acquire any medication. For those considering alternatives to their usual prescription, exploring https://tei2020.com/vardenafil/ could be an option worth discussing with your physician. Having trouble finding a reliable source for your antibiotic needs? Look no further. Acquire [URL=https://fpny.org/buying-amoxicillin/ - amoxicillin[/URL - safely and swiftly.

eteryiwu (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:15
Zoning in on affordable heart medication, find competitive rates on buy retin-a with prescription online. Find top quality pharmacy on the web. Secure your stock of this medication without hassle. Unlock remarkable savings when you acquire your ocular medication via the internet. For ease from allergic reactions, https://center4family.com/priligy-online/ today.

ugaxilujel (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:16
Acquire your remedy for enhanced vitality; check out [URL=https://tei2020.com/levitra-10mg/ - buy levitra w not prescription[/URL - now! Obtain relief from seasonal allergies with tadalafil , accessible now. This nose solution can help in reducing your allergic reactions. Zeroing in on your health needs? https://karachigo.com/tadalafil-to-buy/ offers a multitude of solution options for controlling your condition. Explore our site to acquire your medication effortlessly.

ezegadaziqafw (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:17
Zero wait time for your allergy relief; Purchase your [URL=https://ghspubs.org/drug/evecare/ - evecare without dr prescription[/URL - instantly and breathe easier in no time. Your search for secure and convenient access to medication ends here. Buy propecia price walmart through our website without the hassle of a traditional pharmacy visit. X-plore the therapeutic options for managing Addison's disease; https://usctriathlon.com/retin-a-generic/ stands out as a prime choice. Its efficacy in balancing electrolyte levels and alleviating symptoms is unparalleled. When seeking relief from ongoing aches, consider [URL=https://seraamedia.org/propecia/ - propecia lowest price[/URL - as your preferred treatment. It's available online, offering ease and efficacy.

ascikut (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:21
Discover amazing deals on your healthcare essentials. Locate the [URL=https://nabba-us.com/product/propecia/ - propecia[/URL - and keep your health in check without hassle. Browse our range for top deals on online generic prednisone . Secure your order now and experience speedy delivery. Just in time for your urgent needs, find your essential supplies available at https://nabba-us.com/product/kamagra/ , right away. Obtaining [URL=https://bluemooncafedothan.com/drug/fildena/ - fildena[/URL - details is crucial for those to treat hair loss effectively.

awujokequneze (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:25
Keep your kidneys in top shape without spending a fortune. Explore [URL=https://usctriathlon.com/drugs/ventolin/ - ventolin[/URL - for affordable choices. Feeling under the weather? Secure rapid relief by choosing to combiflam online usa . This remedy is perfect for alleviating pain and fever. Looking for an effective, budget-friendly solution to boost your wellbeing? Explore our vast selection of natural supplements and buy your https://shilpaotc.com/nizagara/ today for enhanced health and vitality! To reduce your pain, consider ordering [URL=https://brazosportregionalfmc.org/venlor/ - venlor from canada[/URL - to help with your recovery.

axopibu (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:26
To obtain your medications without hassle, opt for [URL=https://nabba-us.com/drugs/viagra/ - fast generic viagra[/URL - , providing a broad array of medical solutions. Uncover affordable treatment for scabies with our budget-friendly generic viagra from canada , the go-to choice for eradicating pests. Just realized you need ED medication for your condition? No need to worry! You can https://tei2020.com/drugs/cialis/ without hassle and with confidence. To secure your [URL=https://marcagloballlc.com/pill/prednisone/ - prednisone[/URL - , visit our page.

iabipuwa (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:31
Seeking the best value for your heart health medications? Compare costs now and conserve on your prescription with [URL=https://sjsbrookfield.org/product/cytotec/ - cytotec 100 online for sale[/URL - , your prime source for economical healthcare. Experiencing acute gout symptoms? Find out how strattera 10mg can aid in controlling your discomfort. Browse the variety on https://sjsbrookfield.org/item/zoloft/ to find the lowest prices on wellness products.

iapoxisafoan (not verified) Fri, 08/08/2025 - 20:31
Just launched, [URL=https://goldenedit.com/drugs/flomax/ - flomax canada[/URL - is now available online. Ensure your stock and control health concerns with effectiveness. Obtain your pharmacy prescription easily via the internet. Zero hassles while looking to boost your vitality? Explore our premium selection and buy the https://sjsbrookfield.org/product/prednisone-canadian-pharmacy/ on the web, ensuring you receive top-quality options for your wellbeing. Secure your health with ease; acquire [URL=https://profitplusfinancial.com/propecia/ - propecia overnight[/URL - for your heart needs on the web.

Add new comment