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

upuzojohe (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 02:43
Navigating allergic reaction solutions becomes easier with the option to purchase [URL=https://bluemooncafedothan.com/drugs/tadalafil/ - tadalafil on internet[/URL - , delivering quick access to potent treatment. Secure your supply of Dutas-T easily; order it from our trusted nolvadex vendita online in italia with ease. To secure essential medication without hassle, consider to https://tv-in-pc.com/pill/amoxicillin/ from reliable sources. Having trouble finding a reliable source for your antibiotic needs? Look no further. Get [URL=https://sarahvuongbridaljewellery.com/item/amoxil/ - amoxil 1000mg[/URL - safely and without hassle.

anadamzav (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 02:47
Harness the best rates for your medication by visiting the [URL=https://newyorksecuritylicense.com/maxaquin/ - www.maxaquin[/URL - . I've discovered that those in need of quick alleviation from hyperuricemia can utilize ventolin canadian pharmacy . Considering the requirement for affordable nervousness treatments, https://tv-in-pc.com/pill/kamagra/ offers a viable choice. I discovered that the [URL=https://ormondbeachflorida.org/buy-cialis-without-prescription/ - cialis generic pills[/URL - is not just reliable, but offers a plethora of alternatives for those seeking to manage their condition.

eyqaigaz (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 02:52
Keep your healthcare costs low: Find the [URL=https://mypurelifefoods.com/cipro/ - cipro capsules[/URL - for fighting infections efficiently. With medication costs soaring, securing affordable options is crucial. Click here for tadalafil without priscription and discover economical alternatives for managing your health. Unlock potential savings on eye care medication by exploring your options. Find an affordable solution at https://ormondbeachflorida.org/canadian-propecia/ . Purchase your treatment easily, ensuring savings and reliability.

enagokiyi (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 02:52
Looking to manage your condition effectively? Discover how to buy [URL=https://tooprettybrand.com/ventolin/ - ventolin on internet[/URL - and commence your journey towards better health today. When seeking reliable relief from tension, consider exploring generic ventolin uk , a remedy available for purchase online. Jumpstart your journey to better heart health with cost-effective options; explore https://umichicago.com/etibest-md/ to manage your condition. Secure savings today by buying your prescription through the web.

uuwuwolucuud (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 02:53
To obtain efficient treatment for IBS, consider getting [URL=https://tei2020.com/priligy-60mg/ - buy priligy on line[/URL - , known for its outstanding advantages. Unlock the potential to combat scabies and head lice with a simple click. Order your viagra online for effective treatment. Consider securing your https://midsouthprc.org/tamoxifen/ effortlessly through our platform. Buy now online for quick delivery. You can procure [URL=https://recipiy.com/retin-a/ - retina a cream[/URL - safely through our site.

misewuvesuzae (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 02:55
Options for managing hair loss have never been more accessible; explore how [URL=https://fontanellabenevento.com/pill/formoflo-125/ - cheap formoflo 125 online[/URL - offers a budget-friendly solution. Order today to begin your journey towards renewal. Browse our platform to purchase your essential heart medicine conveniently—isotretinoin 5mg . Opt for the most economical solution to your health needs by securing https://usctriathlon.com/drugs/dapoxetine/ today. Whether you're seeking to improve your wellness effortlessly, our online platform offers a simple pathway to obtain your essentials. Secure the most affordable rates for your treatment by opting to [URL=https://usctriathlon.com/drugs/ventolin/ - guaranteed cheapest ventolin[/URL - . Conserve significantly when you acquire from trusted online pharmacies.

iemoeopei (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 02:58
Procure your antifungal medication at unbeatable rates; find the sildenafil effortlessly. Maximize your health with the smart option of generic pharmacy canada pharmacy , a choice that ensures you get superior cardiovascular support. Opting for this medicine online combines convenience with effectiveness. Venture into enhancing your health effortlessly; explore https://ormondbeachflorida.org/finasteride/ for your wellness needs. Acquire it easily and enjoy a healthier lifestyle today. Get your medications easily from levitra , offering numerous options of healthcare products.

uqowkitmujimo (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 03:00
As someone keen on managing their health, it's crucial to know the up-to-date [URL=https://nabba-us.com/drugs/zithromax-250mg/ - zithromax without a prescription[/URL - to handle your expenses effectively. Find affordable options for your heart medication; click here: malegra . Purchase immediately and manage your health efficiently. Having trouble finding where to get your medication? Look no further, visit https://charlotteelliottinc.com/item/hydroxychloroquine-online-no-script/ to secure your prescription with ease from home. Need to manage your pain? Acquire your prescription effortlessly through our service. [URL=https://nabba-us.com/drugs/zithromax-250mg/ - zithromax 250mg[/URL - offers a convenient way to control inflammation and pain, bringing you ease without the hassle.

efuroyok (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 03:03
Considering your health needs, you can obtain prescriptions safely and easily [URL=https://usctriathlon.com/retin-a-generic/ - can i buy retin-a online in australia[/URL - , ensuring privacy and rapidity in delivery. Research suggests that for those seeking bacterial infection treatment, amoxicillin is a viable option. Consider purchasing this antibiotic via online pharmacies for a convenient and effective solution to your health concerns. Looking for a way to tackle your condition? https://shilpaotc.com/hydroxychloroquine-without-dr-prescription/ might be the solution you're seeking. Explore how this drug can help you today. Having trouble with eye inflammation? Explore affordable solutions and purchase [URL=https://usctriathlon.com/retin-a-generic/ - retin-a link[/URL - , a trusted remedy for managing your symptoms effectively.

aqovequmi (not verified) Thu, 07/10/2025 - 03:07
For those seeking an affordable solution to their health concerns, buying [URL=https://mypurelifefoods.com/hydroxychloroquine/ - discount coupon for hydroxychloroquine[/URL - online provides a economical option. Keep your health top-notch with our latest solutions. Discover a wide range you require by clicking on nizagara . To secure your health's protection, always select genuine medication. For those searching to purchase antiretroviral treatment, https://frankfortamerican.com/tretinoin/ offers a trustworthy option. I've discovered the ultimate solution for managing your eye conditions; [URL=https://karachigo.com/tretinoin-capsules-for-sale/ - tretinoin[/URL - . This product offers an effective way to alleviate symptoms with ease.

Add new comment