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

opequobo (not verified) Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:32
The quest for an enhanced bust size often leads individuals down the path of costly procedures. However, a holistic alternative awaits. Discover how to achieve greater bust naturally with [URL=https://shilpaotc.com/breast-success/ - breast-success singapore[/URL - . Just searching for a safe way to obtain finpecia without a prescription? Our reliable platform offers a hassle-free solution. Click amoxicillin to learn more. Secure your heart rhythm management medication swiftly with https://kristinbwright.com/ventolin-100mcg/ . Purchase today for rapid delivery. Naturally supporting prostate health is essential for men's well-being. Discover how [URL=https://charlotteelliottinc.com/product/tretinoin/ - tretinoin[/URL - can be your partner in maintaining optimal prostate health.

exawohi (not verified) Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:35
Get your daily Cialis conveniently and securely by clicking [URL=https://ghspubs.org/product/vpxl/ - vpxl[/URL - . Whether you're looking to purchase for individual use or addressing a problem, you'll find top-notch options available on the internet. Get the relief you need with mail order nizagara , available now. Purchase without hassle on the web. Optimize your wellness journey with a convenient, hassle-free option: https://nikonphotorecovery.com/xenical/ . Discover the simplicity of having your essential treatment delivered directly to your doorstep with no wait. Questioning the safety and efficacy of inhaled medications? Ensure to consult a healthcare provider before opting to acquire [URL=https://the7upexperience.com/item/nizagara/ - nizagara[/URL - via the internet.

iucoolijiguqa (not verified) Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:37
Boost your health with [URL=https://fontanellabenevento.com/drug/extra-super-avana/ - buy extra super avana on line[/URL - , a top-tier option for those seeking enhanced results. Acquire a transformative solution on our platform. Enhance To secure your vision health, exploring https://bibletopicindex.com/levitra/ could be beneficial. Purchase effortlessly on the web. Seeking relief from benign prostatic hyperplasia? Explore your options with [URL=https://wefenceit.com/flomax/ - flomax lowest price[/URL - , a remedy for alleviating prostate enlargement symptoms.

ekouevolhauka (not verified) Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:39
Zero worries for your hair care: Discover your solution with [URL=https://onegrasstwograss.com/drug/zoloft/ - zoloft[/URL - for a healthier mane. A myriad of individuals seek reliable sources to acquire their medications. Discover how you can secure your prescriptions easily through this non prescription tretinoin . Revitalize your vitality with a natural solution; https://center4family.com/kamagra/ . Unleash the power of herbal ingredients now.

Davidkfe (not verified) Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:45
Вы слышали что делается с Битком? Я был в шоке как он возрос за последнее время. И даже если будет спад я все равно буду покупать его и инвестировать. Но чтоб улучшить свой уровень финансовой грамотности, решил найти портал, на котором смогу черпать информацию про все криптовалюты. Мне понравился сайт. На данном сайте я смог найти статьи про каждую криптовалюту из ТОП 200. Получил полезную информацию как майнить криптовалюту. Вот одной из свежих новостей хотел бы поделиться с Вами: Также нашел рекомендации инвесторов как инвестировать на падающем рынке и как пережидать упадок рынка. Читайте и становитесь богаче и умней!!! http://www.fabetghislain.free.fr/Pages/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=370#370 http://forum.americandream.de/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=63172 http://www.daveandspencer.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=407353 http://www.mutterkind-kur.de/forum/viewtopic.php?f=114&t=1101903 http://www.daveandspencer.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=407085

liqitofazokno (not verified) Mon, 09/29/2025 - 08:45
Secure the most competitive rates on antifungal medication in the U.S. by clicking [URL=https://hyblavalleyvet.com/nexium/ - buy nexium w not prescription[/URL - . Act now to secure exceptional savings on your medical needs. Looking to purchase Depo-Medrol? Find the most budget-friendly strattera from canada . Discover various healthcare options with https://wefenceit.com/lasix/ , available for purchase immediately through the internet. Now, discover cost-effective solutions for erectile dysfunction with [URL=https://downtowndrugofhillsboro.com/cenforce/ - cenforce[/URL - , accessible at your fingertips.

Add new comment