House Resolution No. 430, introduced by the head of the House committee on natural resources, calls for a congressional investigation into the degradation of the Sierra Madre mountain range in order to look for ways to protect it.
Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. of Cavite said an investigation into the alleged degradation of the Sierra Madre Mountains “and how we shall protect our ‘Mother Mountain Range’ to prevent the occurrence of floods in various places in the Philippines,” is necessary in support of legislation.
He highlighted in the resolution that it was necessary to ascertain whether human activity, such as illegal logging, gold mining, limestone mining, construction aggregate quarrying, deforestation, and dam construction, was taking place in the Sierra Madre Mountains.
The administration lawmaker said that “there is a need to confirm if there were corresponding permits issued by the concerned government agencies,” if such acts are being carried out.
The National Unity Party lawmaker questioned, “If indeed permits were issued, were there environmental impact assessments regarding their effect to the Sierra Madre Mountains?”
The state must “protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,” according to Article 2, Section 16f the Constitution, which was quoted in the resolution.
The Sierra Madre Mountains, also known as the “backbone of Luzon,” is the country’s longest mountain range, spanning from Cagayan province in the north to Quezon province in the south and including the 10 provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Quezon. Its total land area is 2.8 million hectares.
According to the resolution, the “Mother Mountain Range” is crucial because it serves as a natural barrier against typhoons and floods that originate in the Pacific Ocean. Its watershed provides water for Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.
The Philippine eagle and the golden-crowned flying fox are only two examples of the flora and fauna that call it home. Additionally, 15 different indigenous communities who hold Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles or groups with ancestral domain claims reside there, it was emphasized.
The Sierra Madre Mountains’ protection of the country from recent typhoons “Karding,” “Ompong,” as well as typhoons “Lawin” and “Karen” was also mentioned in the resolution.
Barzaga continued, “Unfortunately, it has not fully protected the town of San Miguel, Bulacan from the typhoon ‘Karding’ which has experienced its worst flooding that killed five provincial anti-disaster rescuers.”
Photo Credit: Philippine Information Agency website