A MILD public debate began when people said that the Sierra Madre mountain range “broke” the strength of Typhoon Uwan, sparing much of Luzon from its full force.
Some even spoke as if the Sierra Madre were just one giant wall standing between us and the Pacific.
In truth, it is a chain of mountains stretching more than 540 kilometers along the eastern side of Luzon — our longest and arguably most important natural shield.
But here’s the real story: what truly protected us were not just the rocks and ridges of the Sierra Madre, but the trees — the few that remain.
It is those trees, with their deep roots and wide canopies, that absorbed the wind, held the soil, and slowed the floodwaters. Sadly, deforestation has made this once-mighty barrier thinner and weaker each year.
Trees act as natural buffers against storms. They slow down wind speed, absorb excess rainwater, stabilize the soil, and protect our coasts from storm surges. It’s not magic — it’s science and ecology working together. Yet, while we know this, we have not acted fast enough to reforest the mountains that defend us.
So what must we do to strengthen the Sierra Madre as our first line of defense?
The answer is simple — though the task is not easy. We must plant more trees — in every slope, every ravine, every inch where life can grow.
Before he passed away, my mentor, the late Dr. Jose Conrado Benitez, once told me to “plant all trees in all mountains.”
I never really knew what he meant then, but today, his words ring truer than ever. Whether he meant reforesting every barren hillside or simply inspiring others to plant, I’ve taken that advice to heart.
Unfortunately, while some of us plant, others are busy cutting. Reports persist that some corrupt officials are accepting bribes to convert forest land into so-called “alienable and disposable” land — legalese that really means “ready for sale.” These people are selling away our last line of protection. We must expose them and stop them in their tracks.
But we must also be practical. Tree planting should not just be an environmental effort — it must also support livelihoods.
We should plant high-value trees that can sustain both people and forests. And though bamboos are technically grass, let us plant them too. Giant bamboo, in particular, can hold soil, absorb floodwater, and grow quickly into usable material for homes and crafts. It’s a win-win for nature and livelihood.
We should also empower cooperatives to manage community-based agroforestry projects. When locals earn from keeping forests healthy, they become the best forest guards. (To be continued)/PN
