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

apihihaje (not verified) Sun, 09/28/2025 - 01:26
Zero worries for those seeking enhanced vitality; [URL=https://ucnewark.com/product/sildalist/ - sildalist[/URL - offer a robust solution for enhancing performance. Zap your bacterial infections away without a visit to the doctor, get your cipro online for a hassle-free solution. Need to improve your focus without a hassle? Explore how easy it is to get the solution https://lazeup.com/bentyl-20mg/ .

omufezobiluta (not verified) Sun, 09/28/2025 - 01:31
Before deciding on your next antifungal treatment, consider the advantages and [URL=https://wefenceit.com/prednisone/ - how to buy prednisone 10mg[/URL - options available on the market. Purchase your solution effortlessly through cialis for sale , ensuring a speedy and secure transaction for your wellness needs. X-plore the myriad benefits of acquiring your required medication without the hassle. Obtain https://lazeup.com/retin-a/ with ease from credible sources.

uxuwaejiubar (not verified) Sun, 09/28/2025 - 01:32
Seeking a treatment for hair loss? Find out how to purchase [URL=https://onegrasstwograss.com/drug/zoloft/]sertraline[/URL] , a proven method to tackle balding safely. Invest in your health by choosing amoxicillin price walmart for high-quality cholesterol management solutions. This medication is designed to lower your cholesterol levels safely. Discover excellent options for managing your condition efficiently with https://stroupflooringamerica.com/buy-cialis-online-canada/ . Enhance your health today. Zillions seeking effective remedy for their condition can now purchase [URL=https://stroupflooringamerica.com/pharmacy-buy-online/]precios pharmacy[/URL] , a reliable option.

aalahepikkiul (not verified) Sun, 09/28/2025 - 01:36
Considering the escalating prices associated with fertility treatments, finding economical solutions is crucial. Opt for [URL=https://phovillages.com/nizagara-pills/ - nizagara 100mg[/URL - to boost your journey towards conceiving, available at affordable rates without compromising on quality or efficacy. Xplore ultimate vitality solutions! Secure your own bentyl generic canada to boost your wellness now. You can discover effective solutions for hair loss without breaking the bank. Look into the https://skywaycorvetteclub.com/item/generic-propecia-uk/ for economical options. Visit [URL=https://downtowndrugofhillsboro.com/ecosprin-delayed-release/ - ecosprin delayed release pills[/URL - to acquire your necessary heart health medication.

apokaase (not verified) Sun, 09/28/2025 - 01:39
Seeking relief from OCD symptoms? [URL=https://myrsvplive.com/item/kamagra/ - kamagra capsules for sale[/URL - offers a solution. Discover this option now. Need to alleviate glaucoma symptoms without breaking the bank? Explore our wide range of affordable solutions, including the highly effective pharmacy , suitable for budget-conscious patients seeking quality eye care options. Discover the benefits of https://bakuchiropractic.com/lasix/ for heart health and stroke prevention. Acquire your vital medication through the internet today and enjoy the protective effects. Boost your health with [URL=https://altavillaspa.com/product/slimex/ - slimex in usa[/URL - . Whether you're looking to enhance your immunity or support your body's natural defenses, this product is available online for buying.

Add new comment