Sierra Madre isn’t just a mountain range; it stands as Luzon’s unsung heroine, braving typhoons to protect us from nature’s harshest blows
Stretching 600 kilometers along Luzon’s eastern edge, the Sierra Madre serves as a natural barrier against typhoons from the Pacific Ocean. Its extensive elevation effectively slows down storm systems, allowing for a more even rainfall distribution.
Since most typhoons form towards the east, the mountain range also serves as an obstruction for typhoons moving from east to west along Luzon.
Through the years, Sierra Madre has tempered countless typhoons, saving lives by absorbing the brunt of powerful winds. Take Super Typhoon Karding in 2022, for example. When it unleashed winds near 200 kph, Sierra Madre absorbed much of the impact, reducing the storm’s intensity. Similarly, Typhoon Ompong in 2018 dropped from 220 kph to 160 kph after passing over the mountains, while Typhoon Lawin and Karen in 2016 weakened from Category 5 to Category 3 upon crossing its path. Authorities have noted that the mountain range also shielded Isabela from the full force of the recent Typhoon Kristine, significantly reducing its impact in the region.
Beyond its impressive role as a natural barrier, Sierra Madre boasts a wealth of ecological resources, earning it the title of one of the Philippines’ last ecological frontiers. Its ecosystems, including the famous mossy forests, are among the few remaining old-growth rainforests in the country.
The mountain range is also crucial in combating climate change, regulating temperatures, and stabilizing weather patterns.
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Why is it in danger?
Like any heroine, Sierra Madre is under threat. Illegal logging, mining, and deforestation have steadily weakened its defenses.
A 2022 study classified activities in Sierra Madre into three main types: agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and forest product extraction—each brings harmful practices.
Illegal logging is a rampant practice in Sierra Madre, weakening the forest’s defenses. Driven by road proximity, river access, and land cover, it often occurs in hard-to-detect areas.
Mining operations, especially in the range’s southern areas, have further scarred the land, polluting rivers and destabilizing the soil. Charcoal production, heavily dependent on fuelwood from illegally logged forests, accelerates forest degradation.
The mountains can only endure so much. With deforestation and environmental degradation on the rise, Sierra Madre’s resilience is tested each year. It’s a powerful reminder that even nature’s toughest protectors need protection.
Urgent need for action
The government and local organizations have launched various conservation initiatives. One key initiative is the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, designed to create and monitor protected zones that help preserve biodiversity and combat deforestation. Then there’s the National Greening Program, which aimed to plant over a billion seedlings across millions of hectares from 2011 to 2016.
But here’s the catch: These efforts have proven insufficient. A study revealed that the National Greening Program did not achieve significant gains in forest cover. Data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer further confirmed a lack of substantial increases in forest cover across Luzon, Sierra Madre, and Cordillera from 2001 to 2018.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, lawmakers are pushing House Bill 1972 filed in 2022 to create a dedicated body for the conservation and management of Sierra Madre. But let’s be real, we can’t rely on legislation alone to save the day.
Real change requires active involvement from everyone. It’s time to spread awareness and hold leaders accountable for their commitments to conservation, particularly in banning illegal logging in Sierra Madre.
Remember that every action counts, whether collaborating with local organizations, participating in grassroots initiatives that champion sustainability, or simply educating others about the importance of Sierra Madre.
We must be the voice for the voiceless—our forests, our wildlife, and our planet. Together, we can ensure our heroine continues to stand tall for future generations.