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

iqeuyla (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:24
Optimize your health and wellness journey by exploring our extensive selection of affordable treatment options. Discover [URL=https://karachigo.com/cialis-to-buy/ - cialis to buy[/URL - to boost your vitality efficiently and safely. Seek treatment for hair loss now! Discover how retin-a without buy prescription can assist in your battle against baldness. You can find reliable solace for intestinal pain with https://lilliputsurgery.com/product/rumalaya-fort/ , on offer online.

ejiladuvcu (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:28
Having trouble resting? Explore seven proven ways to boost your sleep experience tonight. From establishing a consistent sleep schedule to reducing screen time before bed, these tips are simple. For those in need of additional assistance, consider [URL=https://damcf.org/vidalista/ - vidalista apotheke kaufen[/URL - , a choice that many have seen results with. Remember, a good night's sleep is within reach. Just discovered an unbeatable offer on vidalista ? Discover unmatched savings today! Harness the power to enhance your vitality by choosing to buy https://sarahvuongbridaljewellery.com/product/priligy-prices/ . The importance of consulting a healthcare professional before attempting to purchase [URL=https://planbmfg.com/kamagra/ - mail order kamagra[/URL - cannot be overstated.

afuqixwabepec (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:31
With just a few clicks, you can effortlessly obtain your prescription for [URL=https://usctriathlon.com/drugs/prednisone-online/ - prednisone 5mg[/URL - , a critical solution for controlling acid reflux conditions. Discover excellent options for managing your condition efficiently with cialis deutschland . Boost your health today. Learn more about managing your health issues with https://nabba-us.com/drugs/zithromax/ . Discover how this medication can benefit you in regulating hormone levels.

vefayin (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:33
X-pand your health options without leaving home; buy your medications with ease. [URL=https://alliedentinc.com/product/vpxl/ - vpxl coupon[/URL - today and control your health effectively. Buy this hypertension medication on the web, ensuring reliable blood pressure management. Visit deetor best price for details. Before making a decision, consider exploring options to https://transylvaniacare.org/drugs/furosemide/ for managing your stress. Xplore various choices for improving your wellness with [URL=https://tooprettybrand.com/cipro/ - cipro uk[/URL - .

agdasiuta (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:35
Optimize your entertainment and excitement levels by exploring the myriad of games available at doxycycline . Dive into a realm of excitement virtually. Optimize your eye care routine with amoxil , offering a solution for boosted eyelash growth. Explore options to obtain https://tv-in-pc.com/retin-a/ , a vital medication for managing Parkinson's disease, easily via our platform. Boost your hair growth with affordable solutions like generic molnupiravir canada . Discover a range of options and regain confidence without straining your wallet.

afuyeehwe (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:36
With an array of options available, obtaining an exceptional source for [URL=https://nabba-us.com/drugs/buying-propecia/ - propecia 1mg[/URL - has never been easier. Whether you're looking to enhance your lifestyle, this is the way to go. Visit our website to acquire your essential health supplements with ease, including viagra coupons , designed to aid prostate health. Discover reliable and straightforward ways to acquire your pain relief solutions. With our comprehensive selection, you can get https://mnsmiles.com/product/nizagara/ without hassle. Looking for an antibiotic medication? Secure it without a doctor's prescription through this [URL=https://ipalc.org/doxycycline/ - doxycycline by check[/URL - . Acquire the medication with ease and start treatment right away.

uxutotufu (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:38
Discover affordable options for ED by visiting [URL=https://ormondbeachflorida.org/buy-cialis-on-line/ - cialis 10mg[/URL - , where you can acquire your medications easily. Conveniently secure your cytotec pills today with fast shipping. Regain your vitality with consistent use of https://newyorksecuritylicense.com/maxaquin/ , ensuring dynamic health and wellness.

olixiwunokul (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:41
To alleviate your pain, consider buying [URL=https://bluemooncafedothan.com/drugs/cialis/ - cialis 5mg[/URL - to aid in your recovery. Get your treatment easily with doxycycline , accessible via web for immediate needs. Whether you're struggling with seasonal allergies or year-round irritants, https://tei2020.com/priligy/ offers a remedy. Discover relief from a stuffy nose and sniffling with just a few uses. Your health is our top priority. Discover how [URL=https://frankfortamerican.com/item/chloroquine/ - achat chloroquine 250 mg[/URL - can help in preventing stroke. Order now for a safer tomorrow.

ipebegada (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:44
Rediscover management over your heart health with [URL=https://karachigo.com/tretinoin/ - online generic tretinoin[/URL - , the preeminent source for securing your medications on the internet. Achieve a fuller, more robust head of hair when you purchase walmart tretinoin price . Discover affordable treatments for erectile dysfunction by visiting https://karachigo.com/cialis-to-buy/ , where you can purchase your prescriptions easily.

ixacucayxyaq (not verified) Wed, 07/09/2025 - 06:46
To guarantee your health's protection, always select authentic medication. For those searching to acquire antiretroviral treatment, [URL=https://karachigo.com/nizagara/ - nizagara coupons[/URL - offers a dependable option. Understand your options for treating vertigo; explore tretinoin as an effective solution. Acquire it immediately for ease from continual dizziness. Obtain vital details on https://karachigo.com/retin-a-price-at-walmart/ to guarantee you're getting the best deal on your medication.

Add new comment