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

exuicatuszu (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 02:56
Seek cost-effective options for boosting your wellness? [URL=https://bibletopicindex.com/item/lasix/ - on line lasix[/URL - offers an effective combination for those seeking to reinvigorate energy safely. Seek the tinidazole pills efficiently. Find your crucial medication without overspending. For anyone looking to reduce their nasal symptoms, getting a https://fontanellabenevento.com/product/tinidazole/ look-up is key.

ofanoqe (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 02:58
Buyers seeking effective treatment for their condition can purchase [URL=https://darlenesgiftshop.com/buy-cialis-no-prescription/ - buy cialis no prescription[/URL - online. Got sensitivity reactions? Looking for immediate alleviation? retin-a cheap fast delivery on the web for efficient solution. Unlock immediate access to your healthcare needs without a prescription by clicking https://hyblavalleyvet.com/pharmacy/ , and order with assurance. For upholding peak health, consider integrating [URL=https://hyblavalleyvet.com/cipro/ - ciprofloxacin[/URL - into your regimen, renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

boduripolaxl (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 02:59
Quickly acquire your allergy relief by choosing to order [URL=https://smnet1.org/buying-amoxicillin-online/ - buy amoxicillin[/URL - . Navigating the web for Crohn's treatment? Discover options and acquire genericos lasix via our website. Looking for a convenient way to get your medication? Visit https://center4family.com/item/prednisone-20-mg/ for a effortless experience and ensure your health needs are fulfilled.

ajoogeji (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 03:01
Questioning where to acquire [URL=https://greaterparsippanyrewards.com/item/cialis/ - discount on 2.5mg cialis price[/URL - for your dermatological needs? Your search ends here. To ease your pain and swelling, consider buying pharmacy generic via our portal. Combat eye conditions, specifically increased intraocular pressure, with https://kristinbwright.com/pharmacy/ , obtainable for acquisition on the web.

iagorofovuo (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 03:05
For those seeking to acquire [URL=https://reso-nation.org/vitara-v-20/ - buying vitara v 20 uk cheap[/URL - without breaking the bank, numerous web-based drugstores offer economical prices. Optimize your health with the solution everyone's talking about, cenforce without a prescription . This powerful formulation can transform your wellbeing. X-plore alternatives for handling anxiety with https://reso-nation.org/vitara-v-20/ . Essential for ensuring calm, discover a solution on the web. Obtain your [URL=https://griffindtc.com/zithromax/ - zithromax prices[/URL - prescription effortlessly through our website, ensuring quick and trustworthy service for your medication needs.

igugehoci (not verified) Thu, 09/25/2025 - 03:09
Keep your vitality at its peak: uncover safe and trusted options to purchase [URL=https://smnet1.org/online-generic-viagra/ - sildenafil[/URL - . Seeking alternatives for managing your condition? Discover the potential benefits and considerations of propecia for managing inflammation and pain. Unlock your pathway to better health with our reliable solution. Order your https://darlenesgiftshop.com/propecia/ online and begin your journey towards improved wellbeing. Queuing up for your medicines at the pharmacy is outdated. Now, conveniently get your medication [URL=https://darlenesgiftshop.com/propecia/ - propecia 1mg[/URL - with a simple online order.

Add new comment