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

onopazopobuqu (not verified) Thu, 09/04/2025 - 17:24
Quest for relief from motion sickness? Discover how to get [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/product/tadalafil/ - tadalafil generic[/URL - and kickstart your journey to ease. Your quest for a budget-friendly, dependable solution ends here: generic doxycycline in canada . Whether you're looking to obtain this antibiotic online, you'll find that its effectiveness in treating a wide range of infections makes it a leading choice. Zero in on your health with affordable solutions; discover https://myrsvplive.com/levitra/ for handling your symptoms. Secure reliable remedy without hassle. Visit here to obtain your [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/product/tadalafil/ - tadalafil[/URL - safely and without hassle for all your needs.

ejuxoretbnu (not verified) Thu, 09/04/2025 - 17:29
Discover affordable solutions for hair loss treatment by choosing to purchase from our reliable [URL=https://coastal-ims.com/drug/zithromax/ - where to buy azithromycin[/URL - , offering a wide selection of treatments tailored to your needs. Now, secure your health by choosing to cialis price at walmart from our reputable internet shop. Yes, you can secure affordable solutions for treating water retention. https://youngdental.net/pill/viagra-soft-tabs/ is your go-to selection for intervention. Get the optimal deals on [URL=https://johncavaletto.org/tadalafil-without-a-doctors-prescription/ - generic tadalafil online[/URL - for improving your well-being now.

qabajusoevi (not verified) Thu, 09/04/2025 - 17:33
Protect yourself and your loved ones; order your [URL=https://rdasatx.com/generic-celebrex-online/ - celebrex generic pills[/URL - without hassle to ensure safety. Procure your acid reflux medication without exiting your home; visit generic cialis online for quick relief. Get the best deals on https://lilliputsurgery.com/product/lasix/ to combat your health needs.

icutidiase (not verified) Thu, 09/04/2025 - 17:36
Yes, attain optimal hormone levels safely by choosing [URL=https://center4family.com/kamagra/ - kamagra oral jelly[/URL - , a trusted solution for testosterone replacement therapy. Maximize your wellness and vivacity with our natural remedy! Find the rejuvenating benefits of 5 mg propecia from top rated —a comprehensive approach to enhance your health and vitality. Manage your heart rhythm disorders effectively. Obtain safe and reliable medication. https://center4family.com/kamagra/ online confidently. With competitive pharmacy rates, [URL=https://lilliputsurgery.com/product/viagra/ - viagra[/URL - offers an affordable solution to support your fertility journey. Explore budget-friendly options now.

ezasibfujaayi (not verified) Thu, 09/04/2025 - 17:36
Keep allergies at bay with [URL=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/purchase-propecia-online/ - propecia[/URL - , available now. Discover respite from year-round allergies efficiently. Obtain your prescription securely and conveniently through our reliable source. For those seeking proven treatment, xenical is your top choice. Ensure you're getting genuine medications without compromise. Revitalize your hair growth! Secure your effective solution now, https://rdasatx.com/drug/furosemide/ , and say goodbye to thinning hair forever. Explore affordable solutions for your hair loss concerns; [URL=https://monticelloptservices.com/sildalis/ - to purchase sildalis in australia[/URL - are available on websites.

ekosizarigo (not verified) Thu, 09/04/2025 - 17:39
Planning to an urgent cash boost in the Lone Star State? Explore your possibilities with [URL=https://endmedicaldebt.com/generic-lasix-in-canada/ - walmart lasix price[/URL - , a rapid answer for your monetary needs. Considering alternatives for enhancing youthfulness, many turn to supplements like pharmacy , which promises to boost HGH levels. Explore your options for managing hypertension by visiting https://kristinbwright.com/item/buy-generic-pharmacy/ , where you can find alternative solutions. Find relief from high cholesterol with our organic treatments. Obtain your health again with just one click: [URL=https://griffindtc.com/item/doxycycline-200mg/ - doxycycline 200mg[/URL - .

ovguoobaqs (not verified) Thu, 09/04/2025 - 17:40
Investigating the realm of hair loss solutions, countless individuals have turned their attention towards [URL=https://yourbirthexperience.com/pill/amoxil-on-internet/ - 1000mg amoxil without a prescription[/URL - , a product celebrated for its efficiency. Those in search of an effective treatment for baldness might discover this medicine through numerous online platforms, ensuring a discreet and convenient purchase. Seeking relief from OCD symptoms? retin a offers a solution. Find out about this medication today. Your search for affordable antibiotics ends here; purchase your https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/amoxicillin/ online for efficient bacterial infection treatment. Need to enhance your eyelashes? Explore a range of options available at [URL=https://yourbirthexperience.com/www-retin-a-com/ - retin a on internet[/URL - , where you can Order your product without hassle online.

Add new comment