In the past few weeks, the Sierra Madre, which translates to "Mother of Mountains" in Spanish, has become viral online due to its ability to protect parts of Luzon from typhoons. Now, let’s examine the facts to determine whether the Sierra Madre has consistently protected Luzon and if it can continue to do so in the years ahead.
 |
| A rare clear view of Sierra Madre from Metro Manila. Photo courtesy: Johair Addang |
Does the Sierra Madre really shield Luzon from typhoons?
According to the Climate Change Commission, the answer is YES. The mountain ranges span 540 kilometers and rising to 6,283 feet have been a strong natural fortress against climate disasters, particularly strong tropical cyclones and typhoons.
The Sierra Madre acts as a natural barrier and extends across 10 provinces. Protecting areas from Cagayan in the north to Quezon in the south, including Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Bulacan, Rizal, and Laguna.
How the Sierra Madre protects us?
Slows down typhoon intensity - When typhoons from the Pacific make landfall, particularly along the east coast of Luzon, the Sierra Madre range acts as a natural barrier, deflecting the typhoon’s full force. This leads to a weakening of the typhoon’s winds and a reduction in its overall strength.
Shields inland areas - It acts as a natural barrier for surrounding provinces by deflecting the typhoon’s full force and reducing the risk of severe damage.
Reduces rainfall impact - Due to its dense terrain, the Sierra Madre helps trap and absorb moisture, causing some of the rain to fall before it reaches populated areas, which reduces the risk of severe flooding and lessens the impact of heavy rainfall.
The Sierra Madre shield reduces damage caused by typhoons and saves lives, protects infrastructure, and protects ecosystems and livelihoods.
 |
| A rare clear view of Sierra Madre from Metro Manila. Photo courtesy: Johair Addang |
Kaliwa Dam controversy
The Kaliwa Dam Project is a proposed initiative aimed at improving the water supply of Metro Manila and nearby areas. The project is under the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and aims to tap the Kaliwa River, which is located in the Sierra Madre and flows to the nearby Quezon and Rizal provinces.
In spite of its promise to address the growing water supply needs, many environmentalists and organizations oppose the project due to potential impacts on Sierra Madre. Among the reasons are:
Deforestation - If the project’s construction proceeds, it could lead to a significant deforestation in the Sierra Madre, which could affect its capacity to protect nearby areas against typhoons.
Biodiversity loss - Changes in ranges can also affect the rich biodiversity of many species and their habitats.
Displacement of indigenous communities - Members of indigenous groups, particularly the Dumagat and Agta, living in the ranges also fear that they will be forced to leave their homes and ancestral lands when the dam is built.
Overall impact on nearby residents and communities - There is also concern that the project will not compensate for the overall impact and possible damage to a much larger number of people and communities, affecting their lives, homes, and livelihoods.
Update on the Kaliwa Dam as of 2024
The MWSS confirmed that they are making progress on the Kaliwa Dam project. With the delays, it’s still at 30% completion, but they are hopeful that it will be complete before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term.
According to MWSS Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas, the estimated completion schedule of the construction is after 3 and a half years. There are already contractors mobilized on site for the project.
Calls made to protect Sierra Madre
Under Presidential Proclamation 413, September 26 has been designated as Save Sierra Madre Day. The Climate Change Commission has been active in its message of protecting the Sierra Madre and celebrates the day as a time for us to “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 the Sierra Madre but in all forests to ensure their continued ability to safeguard our ecosystems and communities.”
 |
| The Sierra Madre is our natural fortress against recurring tropical cyclones visiting Luzon. Photo courtesy: Wikimedia |
Senatorial aspirant Benjamin Abalos Jr. also echoes the same sentiment, pointing out the importance of preserving the powerful mountain ranges amid the recurrent tropical typhoons that frequent the country.
“Might as well call it the lifeblood of our country’s environmental and disaster resilience as, time and time again, the Sierra Madre has proven that it is not just a mountain range but our shield, our defense against powerful storms that cause floods, landslides, and storm surges,” he stated.
— Sally, The Summit Express
