Manila: An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the faithful to move beyond mere expressions of gratitude toward the Sierra Madre, the country’s longest mountain range, and to take active steps to safeguard it from destruction.
According to Philippines News Agency, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace (ECSA-JP) vice chairman Gerardo Alminaza emphasized the need for Filipinos to protect the Sierra Madre as a way of reciprocating the protection it provides to Luzon residents against powerful typhoons. Alminaza expressed that faith should lead people from gratitude to a sense of responsibility, highlighting that if divine intervention continues to save people through the natural world, then protecting that creation is the least that can be done in return.
Alminaza further elaborated that the church’s response should extend beyond providing relief. It must transition from rescue operations to reform, and from rehabilitation efforts to renewal. He underscored the critical role of the Sierra Madre in shielding the country from natural calamities such as heavy storms, suggesting that preserving it is essential for the mountain range to continue fulfilling this protective function.
He pointed out that the condition of the Sierra Madre reflects broader national issues, such as greed, corruption, and neglect. Alminaza noted that natural disasters are exacerbated by human actions, and each typhoon exposes not only vulnerabilities to nature but also the collective failure to care for the environment and each other.
Alminaza raised concerns about the ongoing destruction facing the Sierra Madre due to activities like quarrying, illegal logging, and other harmful projects. The mountain range, which extends from Cagayan province to Quezon province, is credited with weakening Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) when it struck.
On Sunday, Super Typhoon Uwan caused destruction primarily across Luzon, regions which were under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 5. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the typhoon weakened after encountering the mountainous terrains of Luzon, including the Sierra Madre.
