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

upawwweuzof (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:27
Aches and pains can interrupt your day, but relief is within reach. Explore your options and consider [URL=https://lilliputsurgery.com/tadalafil-in-usa/ - tadalafil in usa[/URL - for immediate alleviation. This might be the solution you're looking for. X-plore affordable alternatives for ED treatment with discount fildena , securing efficacy and safety. Discover how to enhance your performance easily by choosing to https://kristinbwright.com/item/non-prescription-viagra/ from the comfort and discretion of your own abode. Seeking the highest quality hormone for your treatments? Look no further! Purchase your [URL=https://lilliputsurgery.com/tadalafil-in-usa/ - tadalafil no prescription[/URL - safely and without hassle.

idoquhuz (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:30
Just unveiled: Get astonishing discounts on your next purchase with our exclusive [URL=https://sjsbrookfield.org/item/cialis/ - tadalafil[/URL - . Hurry, seize an incredible opportunity to save on your medication. Quickly procure your prescription for vidalista capsules , essentially ensuring heart health. Obtain your https://goldenedit.com/drugs/stromectol/ prescription effortlessly through our website, ensuring prompt and dependable service for your medication needs. To ensure your eye health, exploring [URL=https://sjsbrookfield.org/item/cialis/ - cialis[/URL - might be beneficial. Purchase effortlessly via the internet.

etoedutazugox (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:32
I found the most affordable choice to control my health concerns: [URL=https://newyorksecuritylicense.com/item/uribid/ - indian uribid tablets[/URL - . This platform offers amazing deals. Get alleviation from hay fever now with hydroxychloroquine coupons , on offer for buying on the web. X-plore new ways to manage Alzheimer's by choosing to buy your https://usctriathlon.com/lasipen/ now. Maximize your savings on arthritis medication by seeking the [URL=https://johncavaletto.org/purchase-retin-a-online/ - retin a.com[/URL - . Invest in your health with cost-effective treatment alternatives and secure your wellbeing without overloading your finances.

aatanolepim (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:41
Find best prices for natural vigor solutions; [URL=https://yourbirthexperience.com/www-retin-a-com/ - generic retin a canada pharmacy[/URL - right here. Unlock unparalleled convenience by opting to acquire your pharmaceuticals with ease and sans a doctor's order at buy generic vidalista online usa . Experience stress-free access to high-quality healthcare products from the comfort of your home. Browse our selection for securing your https://lasvegas-nightclubs.com/levitra/ easily from the convenience of your home. You can acquire the supplement without a prescription. Explore your options [URL=https://sunsethilltreefarm.com/herbal-max-gun-power/ - herbal max gun power information[/URL - today!

ivutudija (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:42
Optimize your eye care routine with [URL=https://center4family.com/priligy-online/ - generic priligy in canada[/URL - , offering a solution for enhanced eyelash growth. Zest for a better lifestyle begins with managing your heart health. Explore various alternatives and compare purchase trazodone to discover the best deal for your wellness needs. Zero worries for those seeking enhanced vitality; https://phovillages.com/drugs/propecia/ offer an effective solution for enhancing performance. Xperience enhanced vitality and wellness with our [URL=https://umichicago.com/vigamox-opthalmic-sol/ - vigamox opthalmic sol en ligne[/URL - , now available for routine use.

idadeacapnwu (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:42
Quickly alleviate your stomach issues by choosing to purchase [URL=https://yourbirthexperience.com/generic-tretinoin-online/ - tretinoin 20g[/URL - . Improve your health by choosing medications that offer reliability and affordability. Acquire viagra 75 without prescription to ensure your well-being without compromising on quality. Venture into health management by exploring options to purchase cost-effective medication for arthritis relief. Discover more and make an informed choice today by visiting https://johncavaletto.org/strattera/ . Get amazing savings now! Reveal incredible price reductions on top-quality health supplements today with our [URL=https://bakuchiropractic.com/cheapest-retin-a-dosage-price/ - retin-a online with consultation[/URL - . Don't miss out on this opportunity to economize on your wellness journey.

edoskienof (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:43
Valuable insights reveal that securing [URL=https://transylvaniacare.org/vidalista-ct/ - vidalista ct[/URL - assists in enhancing heart health, showcasing its potency. Get your hands on the cheapest ed sample pack 2 for enhancing your sexual health. Looking to control your condition effectively? Find how to obtain https://johncavaletto.org/purchase-retin-a-online/ and commence your journey towards improved health today. Obtain remarkable savings on your eyelash growth serum by exploring the [URL=https://lilliputsurgery.com/product/levitra/ - levitra[/URL - , offering you the chance to acquire effective treatment online.

itiawacepe (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:45
Questioning where to acquire a hair loss treatment? Discover safe, reliable options for finasteride price . Need to enhance your focus without a hassle? Discover how easy it is to get the solution celebrex sales in uk . Just discovered you can cut costs on your prescription with https://tooprettybrand.com/propecia/ , making it possible for you to obtain your treatment more affordably.

ujojibi (not verified) Fri, 08/15/2025 - 22:45
Purchase your [URL=https://dallashealthybabies.org/meldonium/ - meldonium best price usa[/URL - here and enjoy enhanced wellness. Prepare for unexpected home emergencies by checking out our thorough guide at flomax online . X-ray results showing enlarged prostate? https://sjsbrookfield.org/product/flomax-without-a-doctors-prescription/ might be what you need. Discover how it could aid in lessening your symptoms effectively.

Add new comment