DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos says the preservation of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Luzon must be included in the government's disaster mitigation plan.

This, as Sierra Madre once again showed its worth in tempering the strength of incoming typhoons, thus saving millions of Filipino lives.

Abalos says Sierra Madre, the country’s longest mountain range, serves as a critical natural barrier for natural disasters.

“Now more than ever, we are seeing how important it is to preserve Sierra Madre’s ecosystems. Might as well we call it the lifeblood of our country’s environmental and disaster resilience as time and time again, Sierra Madre has proven that it is not just a mountain range but our shield, our defense against powerful storms which cause floods, landslides, and storm surges,” he said.

The 6,283-feet high mountain range stretches over 540 kilometers from Cagayan province in the northern region of Cagayan Valley to Quezon province in the southern region of Calabarzon.

The senatorial aspirant said it is referred to as the “backbone” of the country’s defense against very powerful tropical cyclones. 

Its elevation acts as a barrier which slows down storms coming from the Pacific Ocean, while its mountain range's rugged slopes reduce the intensity of strong winds before they reach inland areas, allowing an even rainfall distribution.

“Without the Sierra Madre, many communities along the eastern seaboard would face even greater risks from typhoons and heavy rainfall. This mountain range is not only a physical barrier but a symbol of our resilience,” Abalos said.

During his stint as DILG secretary, Abalos made sure to strictly follow the observance of Presidential Proclamation 413 which declares Sept. 26 of every year as Sierra Madre Day.  

If he wins a Senate seat in May 2025, Abalos vowed to ensure a stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws in the Sierra Madre region.

He called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to conduct an investigation on alleged illegal logging activities in the area, and to immediately prevent such from happening as it degrades the integrity of the mountain range.

Abalos also urged local government units (LGUs) to take proactive measures in ensuring that forest areas are properly managed and rehabilitated.

Sustainable practices in agriculture, mining, and tourism would also ensure the long-term preservation of the mountain range, according to Abalos.

“We cannot afford to ignore the threats that illegal activities pose to our natural defenses. The Sierra Madre must be safeguarded against all forms of exploitation,” he said.