This mountain range named Sierra Madre plays a very important role on many communities here in Luzon because acts as a natural shield against powerful typhoons. When a 180 something MPH Cat 5 makes landfall in that area, the rugged terrain would disrupt the circulation of the storm. The next six hours of hitting this landmass, a typhoon downgrades back from Cat 5 to 2 or 1.
Florida on the other hand lack this feature that’s why some of their hurricanes even if it weakens, still feels powerful.
But sadly, power hungry and corrupt organizations and syndicates are destroying this land for their resources and location for building illegal materials such as resorts and entertainment compound. Desecrating this landscape would mean catastrophic consequences on all of us.