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

iidilualoc (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 04:56
To obtain your prescription, consider [URL=https://fpny.org/item/viagra-25mg/ - best place to buy viagra online canada[/URL - —a dependable supplier for premium healthcare solutions. A plethora of options awaits for those seeking to augment their health with quality injections. Explore your ideal solution at best priligy price , where superiority in healthcare products is always a priority. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can be a challenging condition, but with modern solutions, managing it has become easier. Explore https://kristinbwright.com/item/tadalafil/ , a cost-effective and reliable option for improving your performance.

egisugevi (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 04:59
the current [URL=https://the7upexperience.com/drugs/cheap-lasix-pills/ - cheap lasix pills[/URL - to control constipation. Seek affordable options for managing Alzheimer's; explore lasix generic pills and find out cost-effective options for treatment. Xperience enhanced comfort and convenience when you buy your prescription through our website. Find out more about obtaining your https://yourbirthexperience.com/www-retin-a-com/ .

ujadaojsosex (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:03
I discovered that the [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/product/tadalafil/ - buy tadalafil on line[/URL - is not just reliable, but offers a plethora of alternatives for those seeking to manage their ailment. Explore options for handling your heart conditions safely with priligy . Various individuals seek effective therapy for their condition, and now you can obtain https://phovillages.com/retin-a/ quickly via internet, offering a hassle-free pathway to managing your health. Looking for cost-effective treatment options for your condition? Discover the most affordable prices for your medication needs. [URL=https://driverstestingmi.com/item/nizagara/ - best price nizagara[/URL - offers unparalleled deals. Discover cost-effective options here.

ehiyqavifto (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:03
You can purchase efficient treatment for your condition from the [URL=https://minimallyinvasivesurgerymis.com/drug/apcalis-sx-oral-jelly/ - apcalis sx oral jelly prices[/URL - , ensuring a confidential and protected transaction. Battling swelling? Explore more about how vitara v 20 price compare could be your pathway to comfort. Discover unparalleled savings with our exclusive offer: https://mynarch.net/pharmacy/ . Secure your supply today and benefit from the efficacy of this solution. Purchase your [URL=https://johncavaletto.org/item/tadalafil-overnight/ - tadalafil[/URL - online to support cognitive health efficiently and economically.

uhilihtun (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:07
Just found out you can order your stomach cramps medication via the internet? [URL=https://reso-nation.org/vitara-v-20/ - vitara v 20 generico costo[/URL - offers a wide range of options for your medical needs. Looking for a way to combat your illness? canada hydroxychloroquine might be the remedy you're seeking. Explore how this medication can aid you today. Having trouble finding affordable eye medication? Look no further! Get the https://yourdirectpt.com/product/tretinoin/ now. Whether you're looking to purchase ocular medication, our website offers unbeatable rates.

asiboxiqe (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:09
Looking to purchase your fertility medication? Visit generic nizagara at walmart and explore numerous choices. Find a way to buy buying viagra in waterloo, toronto with confidence. For a thrilling experience in gaming and entertainment, visit https://mynarch.net/drug/strattera/ . With a plethora of table games and premier customer service, it's the ultimate choice for players.

adezisaz (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:13
Understanding the pros of [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/doxycycline/ - doxycycline original[/URL - can be a life-changer for patients seeking reliable treatment. Just realized you need tadalafil for your well-being? No need to worry! You can buy cheap cialis australia without hassle and with confidence. Qualify for considerable savings on your treatment with https://downtowndrugofhillsboro.com/vastarel/ . Manage your health by deciding to acquire essential medications easily through our platform, ensuring you can [URL=https://johncavaletto.org/item/lowest-price-on-generic-levitra/ - levitra online pharmacy[/URL - conveniently from the comfort of your home.

ugisitehjqop (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:15
You can acquire safe and reliable treatment for nausea with [URL=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/lasix-40mg/ - furosemide[/URL - , available on the web. X-ray the costs of improving your health with antiviral medications by exploring the canadian cialis . Uncover how an antiparkinson and antiviral agent can benefit you without breaking the bank. Rediscover your vitality with our exclusive offer on https://yourdirectpt.com/vidalista-price-at-walmart/ . Secure your vitality supplement today!

ecodehotemu (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:18
Considering diverse treatment options, it's crucial to find affordable solutions. For those in search of hormone therapy alternatives, [URL=https://the7upexperience.com/drugs/lasix/ - lasix[/URL - offers a practical choice. X-ray your options for heart arrhythmia treatment without breaking the bank. Find economical solutions and bid adieu to sky-high medical expenses by opting to acquire affordable ritomune buy online online. The https://the7upexperience.com/lasix-best-price/ showcases how individuals suffering from acid reflux can attain comfort promptly and effectively.

asairefpa (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 05:22
Maximize your savings on healthcare expenses by procuring your medications virtually. Find the [URL=https://oliveogrill.com/drugs/beloc/ - beloc[/URL - at our reputable pharmacy website. Transform your intimate moments with tadalafil , the optimal solution for those seeking improved performance. I discovered the most reliable method to purchase Acticin cream for topical use is through https://oliveogrill.com/drugs/beloc/ , offering a seamless, hassle-free experience. Acquire your pathway to enhanced wellness without delay.

Add new comment