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

asutuowe (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 17:55
Discover affordable treatments for erectile dysfunction by visiting [URL=https://tooprettybrand.com/product/cialis/ - cialis[/URL - , where you can purchase your prescriptions easily. Searching for an enhanced solution to improve your vitality? Look no further! Obtain your prednisone 20mg today and experience a groundbreaking shift in your life. Various individuals are navigating the process to secure essential medications with convenience. If you're seeking to obtain Losartan without a struggle, https://suddenimpactli.com/prednisone/ is your go-to resource. Seek the best prices for increasing your vitality with [URL=https://seraamedia.org/product/priligy/ - priligy 60mg[/URL - . Purchase on the web for peak savings.

avoyimazukd (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 17:56
Preserve your health effortlessly by opting to nizagara 50mg , making it possible for you to acquire your medication without hassle from the comfort of your home. Our team has sourced the prednisone no script for patients seeking affordable treatment options. Obtain your medication without overpaying by exploring the various cost-effective alternatives available through our platform. A quick, reliable remedy for pain relief is readily available through https://nabba-us.com/product/amoxicillin/ . Purchase yours online today for swift delivery. Zero in on options for male pattern hair loss by choosing to acquire amoxicillin today.

elefenib (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:00
Zealously seeking relief from seasonal allergies? Invest in your solution with [URL=https://bluemooncafedothan.com/drugs/prednisone/ - prednisone generika 10 mg preis[/URL - , the preferred choice for combatting allergic reactions. Manage your chronic dry eye effectively with isotretinoin 20mg . Explore our selection and discover alleviation for your eyes. Purchase effective Hepatitis C treatment with https://embroidery-fun.com/product/levitra/ , offering a proven solution for individuals seeking wellness. Discover innovative treatments for your health. Acquire [URL=https://karachigo.com/retin-a-from-india/ - type of mg of retin-a[/URL - from trusted sources on the web.

onipaqfibaz (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:04
Get all [URL=https://transylvaniacare.org/product/ed-sample-pack-2/ - ed sample pack 2 no presc[/URL - for enhancing male potency. Secure Discover budget-friendly options for managing your health; order https://fontanellabenevento.com/product/tinidazole/ online. For individuals seeking an efficient treatment against hepatitis B, exploring options like [URL=https://reso-nation.org/vitara-v-20/ - best price on net for vitara v 20[/URL - offers a pathway to obtain effective medication through digital platforms.

aipocasara (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:07
Secure the [URL=https://bluemooncafedothan.com/zithromax/ - zithromax without a prescription[/URL - by shopping on the web. Acquire your wellness boost by choosing to generic vardenafil lowest price , a practice that’s convenient, ensuring that you're always supported in your health journey. Exploring options for hair loss treatments? https://planbmfg.com/product/doxycycline/ could be your answer. Obtain it without hassle and start the path to fuller hair today. Patients seeking relief from COPD symptoms can locate effective treatment with [URL=https://bluemooncafedothan.com/zithromax/ - zithromax without a prescription[/URL - . These medications provide a dual-action solution, enhancing lung function and reducing flare-ups.

exotisaayepuk (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:08
Maximize your journey towards augmented bust size with [URL=https://nabba-us.com/drugs/lasix/ - lasix[/URL - , now available for buying via our website. Just seeking alleviation from ongoing heartburn? Find out about 100 buy nizagara for options that may assist. Discover affordable treatments for erectile dysfunction by visiting https://ormondbeachflorida.org/buy-cialis-on-line/ , where you can buy your prescriptions conveniently. Seeking improved endurance? Discover what you're looking for with [URL=https://nabba-us.com/drugs/lasix/ - lasix for sale[/URL - , crafted to boost both energy and stamina.

ujoluriyujgul (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:11
Looking to enhance your lashes? Consider [URL=https://tv-in-pc.com/pill/pharmacy/ - pharmacy[/URL - for longer, fuller eyelashes. Available now, you can purchase these eye drops online. Questioning where to find the most affordable deals for your cardiac medication? propecia capsules for sale offers a wide-ranging selection, allowing you to purchase your prescriptions conveniently. Xperience boosted vitality for anyone seeking remedies. Uncover your path to a better life by https://heavenlyhappyhour.com/retin-a-without-a-doctors-prescription/ , ensuring maximum results and happiness.

eyutofofmiro (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:14
Navigating treatment options for hereditary angioedema can be overwhelming. However, considering [URL=https://planbmfg.com/product/levitra/ - levitra without a prescription[/URL - may provide vital relief and control over this chronic condition. Explore affordable menstrual cycle support with best price lasix , your go-to option for controlling period pain. Harness optimal wellness with natural solutions; discover methods to https://youngdental.net/vpxl/ for seamless digestive health management. Here's how to purchase your medication effortlessly: [URL=https://suddenimpactli.com/pharmacy/ - pharmacy[/URL - .

iupupoxutu (not verified) Thu, 07/03/2025 - 18:19
Save on allergy relief by exploring our offers on [URL=https://nabba-us.com/product/kamagra/ - kamagra online no script[/URL - , allowing you to manage symptoms economically. Optimize your health and wellness journey by visiting our extensive selection of affordable treatment options. Find cialis to improve your vitality efficiently and securely. Seeking effective skin infection treatment? Locate safe https://seraamedia.org/product/doxycycline/ options easily on the web. Securing [URL=https://tooprettybrand.com/cheap-cialis/ - cheap cialis[/URL - can be a breeze when you know where to find it.

Add new comment