SAVE NATURE | After Typhoon Karding, groups renew call to protect Sierra Madre from destruction

September 26, 2022 , 01:43 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(September 26, 2022) – Environmental groups on Monday renewed their call for the preservation of Sierra Madre after its huge role in lessening the impact of Typhoon Karding in various provinces in Luzon.

Kalikasan said the government should act decisively to beat the climate crisis, noting that it cannot merely be reactive every time a typhoon comes.

“The government needs to begin to take concrete steps immediately to mitigate climate change and to protect our remaining forests—especially those in the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, which buffer Central and Northern Luzon from the punishing rains and lashing winds of super storms,” said Kalikasan in a statement.

Sierra Madre, the longest mountain range in the country that spans 540 kilometers from Cagayan to Quezon, is known for serving as a typhoon barrier that shields communities.

Under Proclamation 413, the Philippines observes the “Save Sierra Madre Day” every September 26. Signed in 2012 by the late former President Noynoy Aquino III, the directive seeks to push for the rehabilitation of the mountain range to protect the people against the devastating impact of typhoons.

“It is proper and fitting to make 26 September of every year as Save Sierra Madre Day to remind our people of the risks and dangers which a lack of concern and action for the Sierra Madre Mountains may bring about,” read the proclamation.

Netizens expressed their appreciation for the Sierra Madre after it once again helped in lessening the impact of a typhoon. Some also revived petitions seeking to stop projects like the Kaliwa Dam affecting the area. Others stressed that the people should care for the mountain range not only because of the benefits it provides.

The real MVP, the Sierra Madre mountain ranges, did her thing. From super typhoon to typhoon classification. All the more reason to leave her alone. #KardingPH

— oƃᴉñʎ (@_ynigo) September 25, 2022

The Sierra Madre mountain range doing her thing ?

Keep safe everyone #KardingPH pic.twitter.com/z9Nu8YjNp7

— wegeners (@genurrrr) September 25, 2022

Our farm in Nueva Ecija is literally beside the Sierra Madre. I was in the farm during Ondoy. It was raining but nothing special. Nagulat ako pag uwi sa bayan and saw the news disaster zone na Metro Manila. Sierra Madre is our great barrier against Super Typhoon. Appreciate it

— Your Daily Dose (@SaltAndReality) September 26, 2022

Let us call for the protection of the Sierra Madre Mountains not just because it shields us during typhoons, but because it’s an important biodiversity corridor, a watershed area, a habitat for endangered and endemic species, and a source of resources for our indigenous groups.

— skullohmania • ?? (@skullohmania) September 25, 2022

Angat Kalikasan Pilipinas, a group led by former Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr., shared materials about Sierra Madre. The World Wide Fund For Nature-Philippines also joined calls to save the mountain range.

Korek! Quarrying, Kaliwa Dam, deforestation, illegal na squatting, resorts and subdivisions. Kinalbo si protector natin ni natin. #SaveSierraMadre #NoToKaliwaDam https://t.co/0qTXN18atH

— Teddy B. Baguilat (@TeddyBaguilatJr) September 25, 2022

The Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the Philippines.

She plays an important role by acting as a natural shield against typhoons and floods coming from the Pacific Ocean.

With the rising sea levels, we must #SaveSierraMadre today and every day! pic.twitter.com/lGQV2wTMpz

— WWF-Philippines (@WWF_Philippines) September 25, 2022

In an interview, Panahon TV reporter Francis Orcio explained the role the Sierra Madre played in making Typhoon Karding less destructive despite its “explosive intensification” on Sunday morning.

“Kilala sa tawag na backbone of Luzon ang Sierra Madre at ang kahabaan nito na mula sa lalawigan ng Cagayan hanggang Quezon ay maituturing na natural barrier laban sa matitinding bagyo na maaaring pumasok mula sa silangan ng Luzon. Dahil din sa taglay nitong matataas at naglalawakang bulubundukin, napapahina nito ang isang malakas na bagyo,” said Orcio on One PH’s One Balita Pilipinas.

Thank you, Sierra Madre.

Panahon TV reporter Francis Orcio explains on One PH’s #OneBalitaPilipnas how the Sierra Madre mountains act as Luzon’s natural barrier during typhoons, particularly when #KardingPH made landfall in the country on Sunday.https://t.co/RblQQ8W7Ht

— ONE News PH (@onenewsph) September 26, 2022

Officials are still assessing the damage wrought by the typhoon across various provinces in Luzon. A report from the Inquirer said a mountainous village in Sierra Madre sustained heavy damage due to heavy rains and strong winds. Agricultural crops were likewise affected.

Baguilat reminded the public to help contribute to preserve Sierra Madre in the years to come.

“Sierra Madre ang ating tagapagtanggol sa mga malalakas na bagyo,” said Baguilat. “Parang nagpapaalala ang Sierra Madre at ang mga katutubo na nag-aalaga nito na andito lang sila at ito ang tunay na maitutulong nila sa atin.”

(PM)

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