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

ihuyiitaxjano (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 14:08
To acquire holistic wellness options, think about to [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/priligy/ - priligy 60 mg en pharmacie[/URL - . Optimize your health management by exploring generique du stablon 12.5 , offering versatile options for those seeking robust antiretroviral treatment. With a plethora of choices, acquire your prescription virtually. Access affordable treatment alternatives: https://hyblavalleyvet.com/purchase-prednisone-online/ offers diverse options for individuals seeking quality cancer support. Discover the most recent [URL=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/zithromax/ - zithromax online uk[/URL - , a crucial piece of information for those intending to acquire this testosterone gel.

kikucok (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 14:10
Discover secure and discreet options to acquire your prescription without hassle. Click here: [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/viagra-75mg/ - 25mg viagra no rx[/URL - . Acquiring sildenafil has never been simpler. Now, you can buy your medication online without the need of a prior prescription. Aiming for affordable ulcerative colitis treatments? Explore https://phovillages.com/drugs/mail-order-prednisone/ for choices.

uapocagib (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 14:11
Zeroing in on options for improved male vitality? Uncover a safe path [URL=https://fleurandarbor.com/lasix-100mg/ - lasix http[/URL - . Quest for affordable eye care solutions? Explore the range and find the lowest prices on effective treatments. For exceptional deals on eye health products, click furosemide today. To get your order of crucial medicine, simply follow https://ossoccer.org/drugs/prednisone/ . Whether you're seeking to purchase for immediate use or to replenish your stock, we've got you covered. I urge you to secure your [URL=https://fleurandarbor.com/lasix-100mg/ - lasix 100mg dubai[/URL - immediately, to treat your health issue properly.

umevaiza (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 14:13
Explore the market for joint pain solutions and find the [URL=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/kamagra/ - kamagra[/URL - . Secure your medication online for enhanced joint health. The accessibility of generic propecia at walmart is a boon for those seeking alleviation from stress. For individuals seeking to purchase improvement options, discovering https://rdasatx.com/buying-viagra-online/ offers a convenient and discreet method to obtain their needs. Combat pains swiftly with [URL=https://yourdirectpt.com/product/amoxil/ - amoxil.com[/URL - , available for buy on the web, securing speedy relief.

ufifuepurnna (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 14:16
Just discovered you can purchase crucial medication [URL=https://fontanellabenevento.com/product/tinidazole/ - prices for tinidazole[/URL - , simplifying your well-being upkeep. Obtain your generic lasix today and manage your well-being effectively. Order now for swift delivery. A multitude of options for improving one's health can be found, but https://marksgroupbd.com/prednisone/ is unique due to its effectiveness. Your quest for authentic arrhythmia treatment ends today. Find our broad assortment of heart medications, including [URL=https://griffindtc.com/tadalafil/ - tadalafil online prescriptions[/URL - , available through our website.

igaketi (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 14:22
Need to alleviate glaucoma symptoms without breaking the bank? Explore our wide range of affordable solutions, including the highly effective [URL=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/prednisone/ - prednisone[/URL - , suitable for budget-conscious patients seeking quality eye care options. Looking to boost your well-being? Find out about how to obtain your needs effortlessly with cialis without prescription us . When considering options for treating https://transylvaniacare.org/product/ed-sample-pack-2/ , many individuals seek affordable solutions. Explore a variety of alternatives to acquire your medication through the internet, ensuring economic and handy access to the remediation you need. Quickly secure your [URL=https://transylvaniacare.org/product/ed-sample-pack-2/ - generic ed sample pack 2 cheapest uk[/URL - via the web and find out the advantages!

Add new comment