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

acajoxodaqab (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 23:59
Having doubts about where to discover the best deal for your antimalarial medication? Worry no more! Just tap on [URL=https://rdasatx.com/nizagara-online/ - walmart nizagara price[/URL - to explore the most economical options available. Keeping your eye health optimal is pivotal, and with retin-a prescription houston , it's never been easier. Now you can obtain your prescription for ocular health through the internet, seamlessly integrating into your daily routine. Battling seasonal allergies? Explore securing https://kristinbwright.com/cialis-2-5mg/ to control your symptoms.

uzazose (not verified) Sat, 09/06/2025 - 23:59
Obtain [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/product/kamagra/ - kamagra.com lowest price[/URL - by looking for offers on the web. Boost your wellness affordably with trazodone , available for those seeking top-tier bargain. If you're in the market for an effective solution to manage your Crohn's disease, consider https://rdasatx.com/nizagara-online/ . This medication offers substantial relief.

avarucifebo (not verified) Sun, 09/07/2025 - 00:05
Know about the transformative benefits of Isotretinoin for acne? Explore your options and learn more at [URL=https://mynarch.net/buy-isotretinoin-w-not-prescription/ - lowest price for isotretinoin[/URL - . I understand the need for accessible choices when looking to get medication. For those considering addressing their health issues efficiently, checking out prices for flomax provides a vital option. Patients seeking to manage their conditions can acquire https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/item/lasix/ on the web. Keeping your cardiovascular wellness in check is essential, which is why incorporating [URL=https://myrsvplive.com/prednisone/ - prednisone 20mg[/URL - into your care plan could aid those with intermittent claudication.

iofnufitodaje (not verified) Sun, 09/07/2025 - 00:06
Before making a decision, explore [URL=https://endmedicaldebt.com/propecia-buy-online/ - propecia[/URL - to grasp how it can benefit you. Various medications for long-term hepatitis B exist, yet flagyl 200 online stands out because of its efficacy. X-plore the myriad benefits of corticosteroid treatment with https://kristinbwright.com/item/buy-cheap-cialis/ , your go-to option for reducing inflammation and allergy symptoms. Need to discover the latest [URL=https://phovillages.com/drugs/pharmacy/ - pharmacy without a doctor[/URL - ? Visit our website for cost-effective options.

ufetufibineo (not verified) Sun, 09/07/2025 - 00:10
Very often, individuals seek cost-effective solutions for their medical needs. Discovering a reliable platform to acquire essential medications can significantly reduce expenses and ensure consistent quality. For those looking to order their pharmaceuticals conveniently, opting to [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/lasix/ - furosemide[/URL - can be a remarkably prudent choice, offering both affordability and the assurance of receiving genuine products. Battling sleep disorders? Our online store offers a quick solution. Order propecia 1mg now for a peaceful night's sleep. Visit https://usctriathlon.com/drug/doxycycline/ to acquire your medication without hassle. Various people seeking cardio-protective medication can locate [URL=https://hyblavalleyvet.com/lasix/ - lasix without prescription[/URL - on internet sites.

efodelin (not verified) Sun, 09/07/2025 - 00:14
X-plore affordable hypertension treatments with various options and find your optimal solution at [URL=https://mynarch.net/priligy/ - non prescription priligy[/URL - , your go-to for cost-effective health solutions. Explore cost-effective fertility solutions; isotretinoin . Find out the budget-friendly cost at Walmart, ensuring you gets the chance for starting a family. Keeping your health in optimum condition is crucial. For those seeking efficient solutions, https://myrsvplive.com/item/priligy/ offers a convenient way to obtain necessary medication without the need to step outside. Having trouble with heartburn or GERD? Secure your relief safely and efficiently by opting to purchase [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/zithromax-for-sale-overnight/ - zithromax price walmart[/URL - . This remedy is efficacious for managing your symptoms efficiently.

Dwaynechoit (not verified) Sun, 09/07/2025 - 00:16
nexus market darknet nexus url dark market onion https://darknetmarketgate.com/ - darknet market links

Add new comment