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

uulodewi (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 04:15
Obtain the solution for better female health with [URL=https://profitplusfinancial.com/propecia/ - cheapest propecia[/URL - , available via our website. Quality learning is pivotal, and acquiring expertise in the art of argument can be significantly improved by reading buy levitra no prescription . This approach not only sharpens your authorship skills but also expands your understanding of various viewpoints. Understanding the need for swift migraine relief, many explore convenient options. Acquiring effective medication, such as Imitrex, through the web eases the journey. For UK residents, https://charlotteelliottinc.com/product/imitrex/ is a straightforward method.

enomoihedohae (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 04:18
Eliminate your nasal allergies swiftly and efficiently with the acquisition of [URL=https://tei2020.com/drugs/cialis/ - cialis online usa[/URL - , accessible for prompt relief. Looking for low-cost menstrual cycle support? Discover your option with real geunine uribid . Whether you're addressing premenstrual syndrome, locate an economical choice right here. Visit our website to find the https://newyorksecuritylicense.com/item/uribid/ , offering you a cost-effective alternative for managing your cholesterol levels. Consulting an medical expert is crucial before you purchase [URL=https://sarahvuongbridaljewellery.com/product/prednisone/ - prednisone[/URL - .

ixuqivromahe (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 04:20
Zillions now find solutions for enhancing their stamina. It's straightforward to get safe help [URL=https://tei2020.com/viagra-without-a-prescription/ - viagra 100mg[/URL - . Obtaining your strattera has never been easier; purchase your solution virtually with utmost convenience and discretion. Visit https://sarahvuongbridaljewellery.com/item/amoxil/ to acquire your antibiotics on the internet at incredible prices. Having grappled with anxiety, finding economical treatment options can be a relief. Discover the optimal deals on [URL=https://damcf.org/nizagara/ - nizagara from canada[/URL - for managing your symptoms effectively.

auguvceo (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 04:21
Just discovered your remedy for acne? Order isotretinoin with confidence here: [URL=https://rdasatx.com/walmart-isotretinoin-price/ - isotretinoin 5mg[/URL - . Say goodbye to stubborn acne concerns now. Looking for a reliable solution to enhance your eyelashes? Discover the benefits of buying skinoren cream online , a cost-effective, widely trusted alternative. Whether you're aiming to increase lash thickness, our product provides proven results. You can find optimal https://rdasatx.com/walmart-isotretinoin-price/ for managing acne vulgaris via the internet.

oqadonuf (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 04:35
Secure your [URL=https://tei2020.com/priligy/ - priligy online usa[/URL - effortlessly through our site. Procure your treatment easily, ensuring a seamless purchase process. Visit the isotretinoin link to discover the best rates for your skincare needs. Keeping your health in top condition doesn't have to break the bank. Find affordable solutions and manage your symptoms effectively with https://nabba-us.com/product/generic-retin-a-in-canada/ . Whether you're looking to purchase your prescription virtually, enjoy convenience and cost-effectiveness in one go. For individuals looking to save their healthcare expenses, securing a [URL=https://fontanellabenevento.com/product/tinidazole/ - canadian tinidazole[/URL - could be immensely beneficial. This offer applies to a range of pharmaceuticals, potentially lowering your financial load.

oqetcoza (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 04:46
For individuals looking to cut costs on their healthcare expenses, securing a best price for psycotene 40mg could be immensely beneficial. This offer applies to a range of medications, potentially lowering your financial burden. Obtain your cialis 2.5mg safely and without hassle via the internet. Looking for a cost-effective solution to enhance your eyelashes? Consider purchasing https://shecanmagazine.com/retin-a-to-buy/ . These applicators offer an easy and efficient method to achieve thicker lashes.

ezvaselaren (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 04:52
Many are searching for trustworthy solutions for ED, and [URL=https://nabba-us.com/product/cialis/ - cialis 2.5mg[/URL - provides a proven option. You can purchase your ventolin en ligne from our website, offering a cost-effective solution for your needs. Acquire your https://abbynkas.com/bimat/ seamlessly through the internet. Boost your reproductive health effortlessly with our trusted solution. Browse [URL=https://youngdental.net/product/zoloft/ - zoloft[/URL - to find out about how we can help you in achieving your aspiration of starting a family.

imigerihamdil (not verified) Tue, 08/12/2025 - 05:01
Obtain affordable antiviral therapy lasix online canada , optimal for treating influenza symptoms and Parkinsonism. Relieve your BPH symptoms today! Explore our range of online flomax no prescription , specifically designed to boost your urination and general health. If you're seeking to enhance your energy safely, consider exploring https://smnet1.org/product/tiova/ for a trusted solution. Discover your pathway to healthier cholesterol levels by opting to acquire your strattera on our website. This approach not only ensures convenience but also provides a range of options to suit your specific health needs.

Add new comment