Estero and river rangers of the DENR begin work before dawn to clean Manila Bay waterways while also pursuing college degrees through a partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
According to the DENR, 144 individuals have enrolled in the Study Program for Estero Rangers, which provides flexible learning through the PUP Open University. This allows the rangers to work full time while studying.
Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said the effort supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive on environmental protection and sustainable development. "Alinsunod sa direktiba ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na tutukan ang pangangalaga sa kapaligiran at isulong ang sustainable development, siniguro ng DENR na matugunan ang pagbibigay ng suporta sa mga tagapangalaga ng kalikasan katulad ng mga estero rangers," the statement said.
Estero ranger Jose Marie Santos, Jeferson Bondoc and Christine Joy Salvador shared their experiences. They cited pandemic hardships, the priority of work and the desire to become an inspiration to family by completing their education.
