In a public appeal, Engr. Roberto Lozada is urging the nation to help protect the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, emphasizing its critical role as the country’s natural defense against typhoons.
Citing data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Engr. Roberto Lozada’s post highlights that the Sierra Madre stands as the country’s “shield,” as it “tempers the force of typhoons, secures water for communities, and shelters rich biodiversity.”
The mountain range, which stretches approximately 540 kilometers along the eastern portion of Luzon, acts as a crucial barrier. It is specifically noted for reducing wind exposure and basin-wide rainfall in the Cagayan Valley region, directly protecting the area from the full impact of storms.
Often identified as Luzon’s backbone due to its spine-like appearance on a map, the Sierra Madre naturally acts as a barrier against typhoons that hit the country’s northeast portion. This protective function is further recognized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which confirms the range’s ability to weaken or slow down typhoon winds.
The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, located in the northern part of the range, is noted as the largest protected area in the Philippines, underscoring the range’s immense ecological importance.#
