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

uminaxig (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 16:40
Just discovered you have high cholesterol? Worry less and explore healthier living by considering [URL=https://goldenedit.com/nexium-40mg/ - nexium capsules for sale[/URL - . These tablets can be a crucial part of your therapy. Purchase them on the internet to reduce cholesterol effectively. Variety of selections to acquire your necessary medicines is crucial. For those seeking vidalista , multiple alternatives are accessible, promising you get the finest care. Revolutionize your argumentation skills with our comprehensive guide on crafting compelling narratives; access it https://nikonphotorecovery.com/strattera/ . Enhance your ability to convince any audience through efficient utilization of argumentative methods.

esedoli (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 16:41
Gain information into managing hair loss effectively by visiting [URL=https://goldenedit.com/purchase-clomid-without-a-prescription/ - clomid[/URL - , where you can learn about innovative treatment options. Managing constipation doesn't have to be a challenge; explore the price of effective relief. Discover the reasonable tadalafil 10mg today and start your journey towards improved digestive health. Get your amoxil easily from https://primerafootandankle.com/amoxicillin-650mg/ , supplying quick shipping to meet your healthcare needs. Before making any decisions, explore your options to obtain Clomid without a prescription safely. Always consider consulting a healthcare professional for advice. Click here for more information: [URL=https://goldenedit.com/purchase-clomid-without-a-prescription/ - mail order clomid[/URL - .

yihakuloy (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 16:45
Discover the benefits of [URL=https://astra-hc.com/drug/prednisone-10mg/ - prednisone 10mg[/URL - for heart health and stroke prevention. Purchase this vital medication online today and reap the protective effects. Struggling with menopausal symptoms? Discover relief with ventolin no prescription online . Our online store offers a secure way to buy your medication online. For those seeking relief from stomach problems, exploring the latest https://ormondbeachflorida.org/pill/ventolin/ could offer a cost-effective solution. Boost your eye health easily; simply [URL=https://greaterparsippanyrewards.com/pill/cialis/ - cialis[/URL - online. Achieve optimal ocular pressure relief with a click.

ebenaepayeni (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 16:49
Acquire non-brand retin a en ligne online for oncological therapy. Navigating through myriad of options to acquire antiviral medications? Consider the benefits of securing your medications economically. Click here: tadapox without pres for affordable solutions without compromising on quality. Harness the power of cutting-edge solutions for gastrointestinal comfort; acquire https://rozariatrust.net/where-to-buy-propecia/ and discover the benefits today. Many are searching for effective treatments; discover safe options and secure order amoxicillin online .

esocoxir (not verified) Sat, 09/20/2025 - 16:54
Looking for an effective solution to manage your ED? Discover [URL=https://stroupflooringamerica.com/buy-cialis-online-canada/ - 10. cialis[/URL - - your go-to solution for restoring health. Achieve ultimate prostate health with order nizagara , a trusted solution available for those seeking cost-effective therapy. Secure your supply of Dutas-T easily; order it from our reliable https://smnet1.org/lasix-for-sale-overnight/ effortlessly.

Add new comment