The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the welfare of estero and river rangers, recognizing their crucial role in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay and its tributaries, while expanding programs aimed at improving their health, education, and career opportunities.

During the general assembly for estero and river rangers from the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, and Calabarzon at the agency’s central office in Quezon City on Wednesday, Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna described the rangers as the agency’s frontline force in restoring rivers, esteros, and other waterways that drain into Manila Bay.

“Kayo ang nasa unang hanay ng pangangalaga sa ating kapaligiran, ang matatag na sandigan, pundasyon, at lakas ng Manila Bay rehabilitation. Maraming salamat sa walang sawang serbisyo ninyo (You are at the forefront of caring for our environment, the steadfast support, foundation, and strength of the Manila Bay rehabilitation. Thank you very much for your tireless service),” Cuna told the workers.

He said the Manila Bay rehabilitation program continues to post significant results.

In Calabarzon alone, the DENR said that from 2020 to the present, about 3,618 river rangers have been hired.

Since 2020, a total of 32.67 million kilos of solid waste have been removed from rivers and waterways, covering 383,951 hectares across the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, and Rizal, crediting the rangers’ daily efforts for helping improve the condition of waterways in the Manila Bay region.

The region’s watershed includes 88 river systems that drain into Manila Bay.

“Dahil sa inyo, unti-unting naibabalik ang sigla ng mga ilog at iba pang daluyang tubig. Sa inyong araw-araw na tiyaga at dedikasyon, nalilinis ang ating mga ilog at estero sa NCR, Central Luzon at Calabarzon (Because of you, the vitality of the rivers and other bodies of water is gradually being restored. With your daily perseverance and dedication, our rivers and estuaries in NCR, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon are being cleaned),” he said.

Cuna said that as the government enhances its program on Manila Bay rehabilitation, the government should also look after the well-being of river rangers, whose work often exposes them to health and safety risks.

He said the DENR has partnered with relevant stakeholders, including pharmaceutical company Unilab, and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP).

During the event, Unilab Inc. conducted medical missions for river rangers, providing health assessments and consultations for workers who may not otherwise have access to regular medical checkups.

“Habang buong puso ninyong inaalagaan ang ating karagatan ng Manila Bay, gusto naming tiyakin na kayo rin ay napangangalagaan ng pamahalagaan. Kasabay na nating patuloy na pagpapalakas ng mga programa para sa rehabilitasyon ng Manila Bay (While you wholeheartedly take care of our Manila Bay waters, we want to ensure that you are also cared for by the government, while we continue to strengthen the programs for the rehabilitation of Manila Bay),” Cuna said.

He added the agency is exploring additional forms of health assistance, including the possible provision of vitamins and other wellness support through partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

Beyond health programs, Cuna also encourages river rangers to pursue further studies through its partnership with the PUP Open University System. (PNA)