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

anufrop (not verified) Wed, 09/24/2025 - 19:14
Visit [URL=https://marcagloballlc.com/item/nizagara/ - nizagara without a doctors prescription[/URL - to acquire your medication without hassle. Learn extra information about how nizagara cheap can assist in the rehabilitation from alcohol addiction. Need affordable medication? Explore budget-friendly solutions with https://thecultivarte.com/drugs/buying-hydroxychloroquine/ , ensuring you get excellent treatment without breaking the bank. To purchase your treatment without hassle, refer to [URL=https://nikonphotorecovery.com/strattera/ - 40 mg strattera price[/URL - today for quick and reliable service.

owumofifwuojo (not verified) Wed, 09/24/2025 - 19:19
Many individuals seek effective solutions for their stress. With a plethora of options available, it's crucial to choose wisely. For those considering an effective treatment, [URL=https://stroupflooringamerica.com/prednisone-overnight/ - prednisone overnight[/URL - present a hopeful option. Discover affordable options for enhancing your well-being: ventolin generic canada offers a versatile solution. Secure buy now for a healthier tomorrow. Quality healthcare doesn't have to break the bank. Discover cost-effective epilepsy treatment solutions and save on your medication with https://sadlerland.com/product/nizagara/ . Your search for cutting-edge health and wellness products ends at [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/ventolin/ - ventolin[/URL - .

aseipvifoner (not verified) Wed, 09/24/2025 - 19:21
In need of effective antibiotic treatment? doxycycline 100mg to combat bacterial infections. This economical solution is simple to get and helps in managing numerous of medical conditions. Browse our site to find amoxicillin online pharmacy , ensuring you get premium antibiotic solutions at incomparable prices. Get unparalleled savings when you acquire your prescriptions through our reliable portal. Now is the perfect time to https://charlotteelliottinc.com/product/generic-amoxicillin-from-india/ safely and conveniently.

uzixiojar (not verified) Wed, 09/24/2025 - 19:27
Having trouble with confidence? Explore our options to boost your well-being. [URL=https://johncavaletto.org/vidalista/ - vidalista drug name[/URL - today and begin your journey to enhanced self-assurance with our trusted solutions. Explore the convenience of enhancing your health with just a few clicks! Get your canadian pharmacy finasteride today and experience the benefits of prompt and confidential delivery. Get your antibiotic without hassle when you purchase https://hyblavalleyvet.com/flagyl/ .

aajukohva (not verified) Wed, 09/24/2025 - 19:28
X-plore the endless fun options on hand with [URL=https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/drug/nexium/ - esomeprazole[/URL - , your entrance to unmatched gaming adventures. Purchase the cardiovascular wellness remedies easily through low cost malegra , providing a wide selection of reliable products. Acquire your dose of hydroxychloroquine swiftly and without a prescription by visiting https://bhtla.com/drug/hydroxychloroquine/ .

obijikaayekuz (not verified) Wed, 09/24/2025 - 19:31
Knowing your options for managing arthritis pain is key. Consider exploring [URL=https://kristinbwright.com/item/prices-for-prednisone/ - generic prednisone online[/URL - , a promising alternative for minimizing discomfort. Secure the stock of kamagra price at walmart now! Enhance your performance with a trusted remedy. Breathe easier with our fast-acting treatment. Buy your https://onegrasstwograss.com/drug/asthalin/ immediately for effective asthma management.

Add new comment