Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has recognized the vital role of the Sierra Madre mountain range in shielding Luzon from powerful typhoons, Malaca±ang said Tuesday. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to calls from environmental groups urging stronger protection for the Sierra Madre and other mountain ranges following their role in mitigating the impact of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong) on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated, ‘Nakita po ng Pangulo ang kagandahan po na naidulot ng Sierra Madre. Noon pa naman po, maganda po ang naidudulot ng Sierra Madre at lubhang nakatulong po ito nang tayo’y bayuhin ng Bagyong Uwan (The President has seen the great benefits brought by the Sierra Madre. It has long provided protection, and it greatly helped when Typhoon Uwan struck).’ Castro also mentioned the anticipation of a pronouncement from the President regarding the protection of the Sierra Madre, saying, ‘At tingnan po natin kung anong magiging pronouncement po ng ating Pangulo patungkol po sa pagprotekta sa Sierra Madre. Hintayin na lamang po natin (Let us wait for the President’s pronouncement on calls to protect the Sierra Madre).’

Environmental advocates have long called the Sierra Madre the ‘backbone of Luzon,’ noting that its vast forest cover serves as a natural barrier against typhoons coming from the Pacific Ocean. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration noted that the Sierra Madre weakened Super Typhoon Uwan into a typhoon category.

Stretching over 500 km. from Cagayan in the north to Quezon in the south, the Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the Philippines. It plays a crucial role in regulating the country’s climate, preventing floods and landslides, and serving as a habitat for hundreds of endemic plant and animal species.

The government has implemented several initiatives to protect the mountain range, including the establishment of the Sierra Madre Natural Park and reforestation projects under the National Greening Program. However, environmental groups continue to warn against threats such as illegal logging, mining, and large-scale infrastructure development that could degrade the region’s forests.