The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is exploring ways to enhance the benefits and help improve the skills of estero rangers and river warriors, recognizing their critical role in protecting the country’s waterways and in the fight against climate change.

During the awarding of exemplary estero rangers and river warriors on Friday at SM by the Bay in Pasay City, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Loyzaga cited the significant contribution of the workers and emphasized the need to expand support for their welfare, including access to training programs, scholarships, and healthcare services.

“We are looking into providing additional benefits, such as skills training through TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) and potential scholarship opportunities,” Loyzaga told the Philippine News Agency.

“Education will allow them to transform their capacities into other livelihood opportunities while continuing their advocacy for the environment,” she added.

Loyzaga said the DENR is assessing how to address the health concerns of the workers who are exposed daily to pollution and waste. To date, there are about 2,700 estero rangers and river warriors nationwide.

DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones underscored the impact of their work, noting that as of December 2024, estero rangers have removed over 1.2 million sacks of water waste, equivalent to 38 million kilograms of waste, including 120,000 water lilies.

The cleaning efforts covered 354 waterways and 488 villages in Metro Manila.

Since the program’s inception in 2019, Leones said estero rangers and river warriors have been instrumental in rehabilitating Manila Bay and other key river systems.

Leones explained that beyond waste collection, these rangers serve as community educators who promote proper solid waste management and environmental responsibility.

“Tunay na hindi matatawaran ang inyong kontribusyon at walang sawang pagtulong para sa patuloy na pagbuhay at pangalaga ng ating mga estero at kapaligiran. Ang ating mga estero rangers at estero commanders ay maituturing nating mga (Your contribution and tireless help for the continued revival and care of our esteros and the environment is truly priceless. Our estero rangers and commanders can be considered as our) environmental heroes,” he said.

To boost their effectiveness, he said the DENR is looking at equipping the workers with modern cleanup technologies, such as trash-trap systems and water filtration solutions.

Loyzaga reaffirmed the DENR’s commitment to strengthening policies against illegal dumping and waste mismanagement while ensuring that the environmental frontliners receive the necessary support.

“As the first line of defense against pollution and climate change, they deserve not just recognition but concrete improvements in their working conditions and future opportunities,” she said. (PNA)