MANILA – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Thursday issued a strong call to preserve and protect the Sierra Madre Mountain range, underscoring its role in ecological conservation and survival of local communities while protecting millions of Filipinos from climate change-induced disasters.
As the country commemorates Save Sierra Madre Day celebrated every September 26, the CCC reminded Filipinos that the 6,283 feet high mountain range that stretches over 540 kilometers across Luzon is the country’s “backbone” that is a vital natural defense against powerful tropical cyclones.
The mountain range, which spans ten provinces from Cagayan in the north to Quezon in the south, covering areas such as Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bulacan, Rizal, and Laguna, serves as the Philippines’ first line of defense against storms, reducing their intensity before they hit densely populated inland areas.
This natural defense mechanism saves lives, protects infrastructure, and minimizes damage to ecosystems and livelihoods across Luzon.
However, this critical role is being compromised by deforestation and illegal logging.
“By maintaining its forests and ecosystems, we not only protect biodiversity but also secure the livelihood of millions of people who rely on the Sierra Madre for protection from climate-induced disasters,” CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje said.
Known as the “mother of mountains,” Sierra Madre’s importance goes beyond storm protection as it is home to around 40 percent of the Philippines forest cover and supports rich biodiversity, with over 3,500 plant species, 58 percent of which are endemic.
The mountain range also serves as a crucial carbon sink, covering 1.4 million hectares and absorbing carbon dioxide through its vast forested areas, helping to mitigate climate change by regulating temperature and stabilizing weather patterns.
Borje said preserving the mountain range is a crucial step to enhancing the country’s climate resilience.
Sierra Madre’s unique geographical positioning makes it a natural barrier against tropical cyclones. When storms approach from the Pacific Ocean, the mountain range slows down and weakens strong winds, reducing their destructive force.
Presidential Proclamation No.413 designates September 26 as ‘Save Sierra Madre Day’ an annual observance that brings attention to the need to protect the mountain range.
The day is led by the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance, Inc. (SMNAI), a coalition of indigenous peoples, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, schools, and churches dedicated to preserving Sierra Madre.
Right after the onslaught of severe Tropical Storm ‘Enteng’ in early September, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conducted an aerial inspection over Marikina and Antipolo and noticed the alarming deforestation in the Sierra Madre.
After this, lawmakers renewed the call for the passage of a bill filed in 2022 seeking to create the Sierra Madre Development Authority (SMDA) that would address the restoration of Sierra Madre’s forest cover.
“As we commemorate Save Sierra Madre Day, let us reflect on the importance of protecting this mountain range that shields us from the impact of strong typhoons. Let us commit to end deforestation and illegal logging not only in Sierra Madre but in all forests to ensure their continued ability to safeguard our ecosystems and communities,” Borje said. (PNA)