A forest is destroyed globally to provide space for agricultural croplands, mining operations or urbanization. Deforestation has increased dramatically since 1960. Growing as a result of human activity, having negative effects on natural climate, biodiversity, and ecosystems. The UN estimates that deforestation occurs at a pace of roughly 1.3 km² per year, although every ten years, almost one million km². According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), The spread of agriculture is responsible for about 80% of the world's deforestation. 

Deforestation in the Sierra Madre affects various groups and ecosystems in the Philippines. Local communities, including indigenous peoples that often rely on forests for their livelihoods, resources, and cultural practices are affected by this human interaction with nature.

Deforestation in the Sierra Madre has widespread impacts:

1. Local Communities: Indigenous groups and rural populations depend on the forests for food, medicine, and materials. 
2. Biodiversity: The Sierra Madre is home to numerous endemic species. Deforestation disrupts ecosystems, leading to habitat loss and increased extinction rates.
3. Climate Impact: Trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Deforestation contributes to increased greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and affecting weather patterns, which can lead to more extreme weather events.

The Sierra Madre is dubbed as the backbone of Luzon because of its spine-like structure that stretches out across the entire eastern side of Philippines main island. Achieving our goal signatories can help us bring this petition to light and start plans in mitigating deforestation not only in Sierra Madre, but also mitigate such action around the world.

Proposed plans for this petition are as follows:

1. Community Forestry Programs: Involve local communities around Sierra Madre in protecting the forests with sustainable management practices such as reforestation.
2. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Raise knowledge in how the Sierra Madre protects the people and its importance in reducing climate typhoons.
3. Legal Government Policies: The government should strengthen the implementation of rules regarding land use and propose bills and frameworks that protects forest areas in Sierra Madre.
4. Collaboration with NGO's: Partner with local NGO's that specializes in forestry to provide resources and funding for projects.

Sierra Madre is important since it is the Philippines' first line of defense against climate disasters particularly the strong and heavy typhoons.