From Gratitude to Action: CBCP Urges Filipinos to Protect Sierra Madre Amid Typhoon Threats
Faith and Responsibility in Protecting Sierra Madre
A senior official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) emphasized that Filipinos should not only be thankful for the Sierra Madre mountain range but must actively protect it from destruction.
In a radio interview, CBCP-Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice, and Peace (ECSA-JP) vice chairman Gerardo Alminaza reminded the faithful that the Sierra Madre, the longest mountain range in the Philippines, serves as a vital natural shield against typhoons and other calamities affecting Luzon.
“Faith must move us from gratitude to responsibility. If God continues to save us through creation, then the least we can do is to protect creation in return,” Alminaza said. He stressed that the church’s mission extends beyond relief operations, urging Filipinos to embrace environmental stewardship as a form of civic and spiritual duty.
Sierra Madre: Nature’s Typhoon Shield
Stretching from Cagayan province to Quezon province, the Sierra Madre has long been recognized as a natural barrier that weakens typhoons before they reach populated areas. During Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong), which recently struck Luzon, the mountain range played a critical role in reducing the storm’s intensity, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Alminaza explained that the mountain range’s health is directly linked to the country’s safety:
“Our mountains are crying. The wounds of Sierra Madre mirror the wounds of our nation — greed, corruption, and neglect. Natural disasters are made worse by human disaster.”
He cited quarrying, illegal logging, and other destructive projects as immediate threats to the mountain range, emphasizing that human activities are aggravating the impacts of natural calamities.
From Rescue to Renewal
The CBCP official argued that disaster response should not stop at immediate relief. Instead, it should include long-term environmental and social reform:
Rescue → Reform: Relief operations should be accompanied by efforts to address root causes of vulnerability.
Rehabilitation → Renewal: Post-disaster rebuilding should incorporate sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Alminaza’s call aligns with the growing awareness that protecting natural barriers like the Sierra Madre is not just an ecological concern but also a matter of national resilience. He added that the mountain range continues to safeguard communities from stronger typhoons, and its protection should be a collective effort from both the government and the citizens.
Environmental Stewardship and Broader Impacts
The plea from CBCP comes at a time when the Philippines faces frequent extreme weather events, highlighting the importance of natural infrastructure in mitigating climate risks. Protecting the Sierra Madre can prevent landslides, flash floods, and other disasters that exacerbate the human and economic costs of typhoons.
For traders and Forex enthusiasts, there is a subtle but tangible impact: the Philippines’ economic stability and disaster preparedness influence investor confidence and, by extension, the strength of the Philippine Peso (PHP). Events like typhoons can affect infrastructure, supply chains, and market sentiment, which may lead to short-term currency fluctuations. Understanding these connections can help traders turn real-world events into market insights—an approach taught in GME Academy (Global Markets Eruditio) Forex courses.
Protecting Sierra Madre Is Everyone’s Duty
Alminaza’s message is clear: Filipinos must act beyond gratitude and take responsibility for safeguarding the Sierra Madre. Faith and civic duty intersect in protecting the country’s natural defenses, ensuring that future generations are shielded from the worst impacts of natural disasters.
“If we care for creation and for one another, we strengthen the nation. Our resilience lies not only in infrastructure but also in the mountains that guard our homes,” Alminaza said.
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