Malacañang said President Marcos has always been aware of the crucial role of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range in weakening typhoons in Luzon, but he has yet to issue any directive on its protection. 

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said "let us wait and see" what Marcos would say and order about Sierra Madre's protection amid calls from environmentalists to strengthen protection for Sierra Madre and other mountain ranges in the country.

"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 saw the benefits brought by the Sierra Madre. Even before, the Sierra Madre has already provided great advantages and was a tremendous help when we were struck by Typhoon Uwan)," Castro said in a Palace briefing.

"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 and see what the President’s pronouncement will be regarding the protection of the Sierra Madre. Let’s just wait)," Castro added.

According to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Sierra Madre Mountain Range helps reduce the strength of typhoon winds in Luzon.

Citing a 2023 study by Dr. Gerry Bagtasa and Dr. Bernard Alan Racoma published in the Philippine Journal of Science, the DOST explained that the Sierra Madre can slightly weaken or slow down winds brought by typhoons, especially those entering the northeastern part of Luzon.

However, the researchers found that the damage caused by heavy rains and flooding remains greater than that from strong winds.