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

odaoniqateg (not verified) Thu, 09/18/2025 - 08:43
Just unveiled: Get astonishing discounts on your next purchase with our exclusive [URL=https://darlenesgiftshop.com/cialis-20mg/ - cialis 10mg[/URL - . Hurry, seize this amazing opportunity to reduce expenses on your medication. Various therapies for long-term hepatitis B exist, yet xenical stands out because of its effectiveness. Various alternatives exist for obtaining medicines online; purchasing https://rozariatrust.net/where-to-buy-propecia/ provides a budget-friendly solution for patients. For those looking to address their health concerns, procuring [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/retin-a/ - retin-a on internet[/URL - via digital pharmacies offers a practical method.

omajisaha (not verified) Thu, 09/18/2025 - 08:52
Find the best price on [URL=https://frankfortamerican.com/torsemide/ - torsemide[/URL - for enhancing your health today. For individuals seeking to purchase hydroxychloroquine without a prescription, numerous online sources offer it. However, it's crucial to approach these sources with caution to make sure safety and authenticity. comprar hydroxychloroquine por internet offers a comprehensive guide on the way to safely order this medication, alongside vital data on its utilization. Considering enhancing your bust? Explore various safe solutions and https://myrsvplive.com/nizagara/ for a confidence boost. When unexpected expenses arise, consider [URL=https://lilliputsurgery.com/nizagara/ - nizagara[/URL - as a rapid solution to fulfill your monetary needs.

ezisisiesi (not verified) Thu, 09/18/2025 - 08:53
If you're looking to obtain authentic medication, consider [URL=https://griffindtc.com/item/pharmacy/ - pharmacy walmart price[/URL - . This option offers a cost-effective solution without compromising on effectiveness. X-plore affordable steroid treatments and economize on healthcare expenses by opting to prednisone spanish for managing allergies. When seeking effective control for abnormal menstrual cycles, consider exploring the options for https://mnsmiles.com/item/prednisone/ . Numerous people have discovered it to be an integral part of their medical regimen.

uvabubgo (not verified) Thu, 09/18/2025 - 08:56
X-plore the myriad benefits of [URL=https://hyblavalleyvet.com/lasix/ - lasix without prescription[/URL - , your go-to solution for managing OCD symptoms. Now you can seamlessly purchase this essential medication via our trusted service. Considering urgent antibiotic requirements, acquiring doxycycline 200mg through the internet provides a rapid solution. Given the myriad ways to manage and enhance your wellness journey, https://mnsmiles.com/item/cytotec/ stands out as a premier choice. Whether you're seeking to acquire health supplements via the internet, it's essential to select products that align with your health objectives. When looking for [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/prednisone/ - prednisone[/URL - , one can find a range of alternatives online.

itaraxaesze (not verified) Thu, 09/18/2025 - 08:56
Access economically priced [URL=https://nikonphotorecovery.com/xenical/ - xenical walmart price[/URL - for managing thyroid disorders while ensuring quality. Buyers seeking effective treatment for their condition can purchase pharmacy through our website. Just when you need potent treatment for bacterial infections, choose https://hyblavalleyvet.com/flagyl/ through reputable platforms.

ixeukiaoc (not verified) Thu, 09/18/2025 - 08:58
Here's how your request could be realized, keeping within the constraints provided: "Have you been looking for an affordable solution to manage your blood pressure? Discover cost-effective options on [URL=https://breathejphotography.com/clonidine/ - buy clonidine on line[/URL - , a vital medication for blood pressure control. Don't miss out on discounts today!" Your search for enhanced vitality ends here; buy verapamil generico italia on the internet for unmatched results. Visit our webpage to locate your required pain relief. Buy https://frankfortamerican.com/lisinopril/ on the internet for fast shipment.

Add new comment