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

oupiqucu (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 12:49
Boost your potency with [URL=https://yourdirectpt.com/vidalista-price-at-walmart/ - vidalista without dr prescription[/URL - , a delectable solution. Improve your performance by opting for this delicious option that assures rapid effects. Boost your eyelash growth with lowest price prednisone 40 mg form canada , a breakthrough treatment available on the web. Seeking affordable options for enhanced performance and stamina? Explore the potential benefits by checking the https://phovillages.com/prednisone-commercial/ , where you'll find attractive deals. Zillions now seek remedies for improving their energy. It's easy to acquire reliable assistance [URL=https://stroupflooringamerica.com/sildenafil/ - sildenafil[/URL - .

eqovihiej (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 12:52
Explore alternatives to purchase your needed medication. For efficient treatment, [URL=https://nikonphotorecovery.com/levitra/ - levitra 20mg[/URL - today. Research suggests that for those seeking bacterial infection treatment, amoxil 650 mg /canada is a viable option. Explore securing this treatment via online pharmacies for a convenient and effective solution to your health concerns. Variety in your healthcare options matters; thus, explore our top-rated https://alliedentinc.com/cenforce/ to enhance your well-being. If you're seeking an reliable solution for gastrointestinal upset, consider [URL=https://bulgariannature.com/estrace/ - cost of estrace tablets[/URL - .

uikoran (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 12:52
Explore affordable healthcare options and uncover the best deals on medications, specifically [URL=https://phovillages.com/ventolin/ - ventolin[/URL - , on the web. Keep your lifestyle energetic and fulfilled with buy viagra uk , the key to boosting your vitality. Regain your confidence with thicker, fuller hair. Explore your options and order the solution https://nikonphotorecovery.com/buy-generic-prednisone/ today. Perfect for those noticing signs of thinning hair.

iqaehijeg (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 12:54
Achieve optimal health by controlling your condition with proven treatments. Explore [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/hydroxychloroquine/ - hydroxychloroquine[/URL - for details on how we can help you. Zero in on your health and wellness; to secure your Viagra without the hassle, check compra de viagra for a discreet, safe, and convenient purchasing experience. Zinc supplementation may enhance your health. Experiment with https://smnet1.org/generic-cialis-uk/ to potentially boost your well-being. Maximize your vitality and youthfulness; seamlessly [URL=https://rozariatrust.net/cytotec/ - cytotec without prescription[/URL - through our platform. Explore a more vibrant life by choosing for this option now.

oyiunec (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 12:56
Understanding the need to obtain medication easily, our platform allows you to [URL=https://hyblavalleyvet.com/tadalafil-2-5mg/ - tadalafil 2.5mg[/URL - without any hassle. Xplore affordable healthcare options and discover significant savings on medication with online purchase of sildalis . Zero hassle in controlling your gout flare-ups: Buy https://charlotteelliottinc.com/cialis-5mg/ conveniently.

Add new comment