One of the Indigenous individuals shared their experienced, like Tolentino.

“The Sierra Madre forms the root of our culture, livelihood, and life. We source our food and medicinal plants from here, it’s our home, a sacred burial ground for our ancestors, and a place of worship,” he said.

The Sierra Madre is crucial for the physical and cultural survival of the indigenous peoples, and their presence in its forest and foothills is essential to its protection and conservation.

Through carbon sequestration, the forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate temperature and stabilize weather patterns. This process reduces extreme weather events and maintains ecological balance, while providing healthy habitats for various wildlife species. 

When storms approach from the Pacific, the mountain range slows down and deflects strong winds, significantly reducing their intensity before they reach inland areas. This natural shield helps minimize the destructive force of typhoons, saving lives, protecting infrastructure, and reducing damage to ecosystems and livelihoods. 

Preserving the mountain range is a crucial step to enhance our climate resilience, as it acts as a natural defense against typhoons, floods, and landslides.