The Sierra Madre mountain range is the longest in the Philippines, extending approximately 300 kilometers along the eastern coast of Luzon Island. This formidable range plays a crucial role in the country's geography and ecology, acting as a natural barrier that protects western regions from the impact of typhoons and heavy rainfall.

Known for its rich biodiversity, the Sierra Madre is home to a wide variety of endemic species, contributing to its status as one of the country’s most important ecological areas. The lush forests support thousands of plant species, making them vital for both wildlife and local communities.

Despite its ecological importance, the Sierra Madre faces significant threats from deforestation, mining, and agricultural expansion. Now is the time to act to protect this region and advocate for sustainable practices.

The aims of this petition is to raise awareness about the impacts of mining on the Sierra Madre mountain range, advocate for meaningful change, and promote the discontinuation and cessation of large-scale mining operations. To elaborate further, here is a more detailed explanation of why this should be the case. 

1. Biodiversity loss prevention:

Sierra Madre houses 40 percent of the Philippines' forest cover and carries a rich biodiversity, with 3,500 plant species and 58 percent endemic species. Sierra Madre also contains the most species of birds in Luzon, accounting for at least 80% of all resident breeding birds. The Philippines would have a great loss in biodiversity if no action is done to these mining activities.

2. Environmental Protection:

The extent of the affected factors due to mining extends to the safety of the environment. Reducing its capabilities can hinder its role in protecting the wildlife and indigenous communities within its domain. Losing such important functions, like shielding us from typhoons and providing habitat for animals, could be devastating to our society.

3. Ecotourism opportunities

The natural beauty and unique ecosystems of the Sierra Madre stand as one of the Philippines' greatest sources of pride, presenting significant potential for ecotourism. However, mining diminishes that beauty, as they prioritize the need for resources over the preservation of the environment. While it is not inherently harmful to extract resources, it becomes detrimental when they fail to give back and only take without regard for the aesthetics and integrity of their natural surroundings.

This petition will benefit various groups, including Indigenous communities and local residents, environmental advocates, the tourism sector, local agriculture and fisheries, health advocates, and the Filipino people as a whole.

We must act now to safeguard the Sierra Madre from the harmful effects of mining. Join us in advocating for a ban on destructive practices and the implementation of sustainable alternatives. Support organizations fighting for these causes and raise your voice against policies that jeopardize our natural heritage. Together, we can preserve the Sierra Madre for future generations.