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

ixojobaoyo (not verified) Wed, 09/03/2025 - 18:15
Explore the new advances in cardiac care through checking out [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/product/tadalafil/ - tadalafil generic[/URL - . Discover methods to improve your health now. Looking for an effective solution to manage your ED? Discover cialis 20mg - your go-to choice for restoring well-being. Struggling with hypertension or angina? Explore how https://johncavaletto.org/pill/ventolin-inhaler/ could be the answer to controlling these conditions. Secure the essential hypertension medication with [URL=https://lilliputsurgery.com/kamagra/ - canadian pharmacy kamagra[/URL - , available to purchase online.

ohovuloromodi (not verified) Wed, 09/03/2025 - 18:15
For those seeking an affordable solution to their health concerns, purchasing [URL=https://cassandraplummer.com/product/hydroxychloroquine/ - hydroxychloroquine sales hong kong[/URL - via the internet offers a cost-effective option. X-plore options for managing stress with amoxil 500mg . Essential for ensuring calm, discover a solution on the web. Obtaining https://kristinbwright.com/item/amoxil/ online has never been easier, ensuring clients get their medication quickly. Just discovered that you're now able to purchase [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/priligy/ - priligy 60mg[/URL - , offering ease and privacy.

atimole (not verified) Wed, 09/03/2025 - 18:18
Browse the site to discover [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/amoxil/ - amoxil 650mg[/URL - , ensuring you secure high-quality antibiotic solutions at unbeatable prices. Visit where to buy vardenafil online to obtain your natural remedy. Many are searching for trustworthy treatments for erectile dysfunction, and https://myrsvplive.com/item/cialis-for-sale/ offers a tested option. Keeping your health in optimal condition is crucial, and finding the right medication should not be a hassle. For those seeking flexibility and convenience in their treatment, [URL=https://sjsbrookfield.org/product/trazodone/ - trazodone[/URL - offers a discreet, effective option. Consider purchasing your medication online, ensuring you receive top-tier care without compromise.

otisuxee (not verified) Wed, 09/03/2025 - 18:25
Maximize savings on your medical needs by exploring the [URL=https://tooprettybrand.com/generic-for-amoxicillin/ - cheapest amoxil homepage[/URL - , your go-to selection for affordable options. Looking for effective pain relief? Explore tadalafil generic , your go-to choice for managing aches with ease. Given the ongoing discussions about its efficacy in various treatments, finding a reliable source to acquire https://youngdental.net/product/hydroxychloroquine/ on the web is crucial for individuals seeking treatment. Before opting for conventional methods, explore alternative avenues to obtain your medications. One reliable option is to [URL=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/retin-a/ - cheap retin a pills[/URL - , offering a convenient way to manage your health.

uporonailu (not verified) Wed, 09/03/2025 - 18:26
Get the most effective deals on [URL=https://johncavaletto.org/item/xenical-prices/ - xenical prices[/URL - for managing your health needs. For those looking to acquire HCG injections, lasix offers a reliable, safe avenue. Quest for top-quality healthcare products ends at https://lilliputsurgery.com/product/viagra/ , where you can buy all from medications to wellness supplements via our website. Obtain cost-effective hormone replacement therapy options with [URL=https://mynarch.net/drug/xenical/ - xenical[/URL - . Explore different solutions for your health needs online.

Add new comment