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

eyegapuvt (not verified) Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:44
Achieve your desired height and increase your wellbeing with genuine [URL=https://transylvaniacare.org/eriacta/ - lowest eriacta prices[/URL - . Obtain amoxicillin effortlessly from reliable providers today. This drug is now accessible via digital platforms, offering a convenient solution for those in need. X-ray your options for youthful vigour; uncover the value of renewed vitality at https://center4family.com/strattera/ . Revitalize your essence sans breaking the bank. Zero worries about where to locate your ED solutions; explore [URL=https://rdasatx.com/viagra-cost/ - viagra 25mg[/URL - for a safe and discreet way to restore intimacy.

adupiqubecid (not verified) Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:44
X-plore your options for purchasing Duovir-N easily through our [URL=https://rdasatx.com/drug/fildena/ - fildena for sale overnight[/URL - platform. Secure your supply and guarantee your health's safety. Research the most affordable options for your treatment needs; uncover cheapest cialis for managing dermatitis herpetiformis. Navigating the expansive world of virtual betting in Canada? Look no further than https://lilliputsurgery.com/product/cialis/ for your premier destination. Discover a wealth of options from sportsbooks to slots, ensuring an unparalleled wagering experience.

mezadip (not verified) Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:46
Quest for relief from motion sickness? Discover how to acquire [URL=https://fleurandarbor.com/stromectol/ - stromectol.com[/URL - and kickstart your journey to comfort. Keep your life energetic and fulfilled with clomid 50mg , the key to boosting your vitality. Potential seizures can be effectively managed with https://griffindtc.com/item/pharmacy/ , a popular choice among various treatments. For those seeking relief from intestinal discomfort, obtaining [URL=https://johncavaletto.org/purchase-retin-a-online/ - retin a[/URL - could be a viable solution.

aqinezulo (not verified) Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:55
I understand the need for easy solutions when looking to acquire medication. For those considering treating their health conditions efficiently, exploring [URL=https://yourbirthexperience.com/generic-tretinoin-online/ - tretinoin[/URL - offers a critical resource. Discover how tadalista can aid in managing your cholesterol levels. Find choices to ensure cardiovascular wellness. Looking to improve your well-being? Discover how to obtain your needs effortlessly with https://bakuchiropractic.com/lowest-price-generic-cialis/ .

egozexewumvi (not verified) Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:57
Looking to treat your abdominal discomfort? Discover how bentyl without dr prescription usa can offer alleviation. Managing ADHD symptoms can be challenging, but with the right medication, it's possible to lead a balanced life. For detailed insight on one effective treatment, visit buy lasix w not prescription . Whether you're thinking about starting treatment or seeking alternatives, it's crucial to stay informed. X-plore the myriad benefits of acquiring your required medication without the hassle. Secure https://glenwoodwine.com/zoloft/ with ease from reputable sources. Quest for affordable therapy? Look no further for your hormone therapy needs; find the cheapest nizagara solution today.

ojefdocahu (not verified) Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:57
Considering your eye care needs, you can now obtain [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/prednisone/ - prednisone 40 mg walmart[/URL - conveniently. This advancement allows for streamlined access to essential medication. Treat your cold sores effectively and affordably with buy vpxl online canadian pharmacy . Secure this offer to reduce your expenses on essential treatment now. Zero in on savings with our exclusive offer! Grab your https://yourdirectpt.com/pharmacy/ today and ensure your health is foremost.

ixotiduwawafu (not verified) Wed, 09/10/2025 - 13:58
Revolutionize your argumentation skills with our comprehensive guide on crafting compelling narratives; access it [URL=https://mnsmiles.com/item/lasix/ - lasix[/URL - . Enhance your ability to sway any audience through effective use of rhetorical strategies. Opting for cipro can provide an affordable alternative for treating bacterial infections. The expense of https://lilliputsurgery.com/www-amoxicillin-com/ differs significantly according to the place you purchase them.

Add new comment