DENR launches search for most improved Metro Manila estero

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) yesterday launched the search for the most improved estero in Metro Manila as part of the government’s campaign to clean waterways in the metropolis.

At a press conference, DENR National Capital Region Assistant Director for management services Erlinda Daquigan said among the criteria in determining the winners include solid waste management, liquid waste management, informal settlers, families and illegal structures management, habitat and resource management as well as sustainability and partnership management.

“Even before this Gawad Taga-Ilog (GTI), all these waterways were being monitored not only by the DENR, but also the Environmental Management Bureau as these are interconnected, especially the solid waste and the liquid waste,” Daquigan said.

DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Jacqueline Caancan said there are at least 273 esteros in Metro Manila.

“We employ 1,472 estero rangers or two for each barangay located in the waterways,” she said.

The search will run up to February 2024 as part of the celebration of National Environmental Awareness Month. The awarding ceremony will be held on March 22, 2024 coinciding with the celebration of World Water Day.