Fisherfolk protect river

SOME fisherfolk in Aloguinsan, in southwest Cebu, have decided to put the needs of the fish above theirs and are starting to see the fruits of such sacrifice.

The Bojo, Aloguinsan Eco-Tourism Association (Baetas) protects the Bojo River’s ecosystem and runs an ecological tourism program in the area that has started to get attention.

But like other groups that have chosen to defy the dictates of survival, Baetas continues to face challenges posed by other fisherfolk and landowners whose interests run counter to their objective to protect Bojo River.

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Although as many as 300 fisherfolk residing in the Bojo River area joined a series of seminars on the potential to develop the area for eco-tourism, Baetas vice president Rodney Carcuevas said their number fell to 52 after a few days.

Daily needs

“Lisud na man ang uban kay wa man sila’y pang-gastos sa matag adlaw. Namalik na lang sila og panagat (It was difficult for them because they didn’t have income for their daily needs. They had to go back to fishing),” he said.

He said he does not regret having completed the seminars and taking part in the project. He also hopes efforts to involve other fisherfolk in the project will succeed.

The Bojo Eco-Tourism Project was initiated by the Municipal Government, under Mayor Cynthia Moreno, last year, shortly after a Suroy-Suroy sa Sugbo tour that included Aloguinsan. The operation of the river tour was turned over to Baetas whose members learned about the value of mangroves, the river ecosystem and the different wildlife species in the area.

Jomelyn Manigos, president of Baetas, stressed the importance of raising awareness, not only among residents, but also among visitors. The Bojo River tour begins with a lecture on the history of Bojo (meaning trade; as opposed to “boho,” which means hole) and the importance of mangroves.

Mangroves

Aside from protecting shorelines from waves, mangrove forests provide food and shelter to many aquatic organisms. Mangrove forests are also the habitats of many birds—some endemic, some migratory—so Bojo River also attracts birdwatchers.

Although the river tour covers only about 1.3 kilometers, the tour includes—for those who book the entire package—cultural activities, like pandan mat weaving, and locally prepared food. Baetas also accepts walk-in visitors.

While a tour of Bojo River on paddle boat can be considered less exciting than dolphin watching and diving, the enthusiasm and dedication of Baetas officers and members are awe-inspiring.

Angelito Eks, chairman of the Baetas audit and inventory committee, admitted that the income that members get from the river tour is minimal. But he said he derives pride in being part of an endeavor that many consider laudable. Those who have visited Bojo River have expressed their admiration for the area in a logbook maintained by Baetas.

To raise awareness on nature conservation, the Municipal Government and a group of artists conducted an art workshop for the children of municipal fisher-folk. Most of the children’s artworks depicted mangroves and the river.

Some of the children were also taught how to make fashion accessories from recyclable materials.

The artworks were later displayed in an exhibit at the town’s Baluarte park and auctioned off.

Kresha Cloise Paras, 13, one of those who participated in the workshop, said the activity gave her a chance to explore her potential as an artist. “Maayo na lang naa ko’y lain mahimo kon di ko kaabot og college (It’s good to know I have the talent, in case I cannot proceed to college),” she said.

Like her, Ahmed Margallo, 13, Kaye Mariel, 12, and Crizia Camille Paras, 11, said they learned to appreciate the beauty of the town’s natural resources through the art workshop.

The Aloguinsan Art Workshop was organized in celebration of the Filipino Heritage Month in May.

Mayor Moreno said she intends to organize the talented youth in the town into a visual arts group that will complement the tourism enterprise program of the local government.