On October 26, 2024, at 3:00 AM, I found myself awake—four hours earlier than usual on a Saturday. After ensuring my things were packed, I embarked on a 90-minute journey to Tanay, Rizal. From the jump-off point, our group began a 45-minute hike to the planting site in Sto. Niño.
The trail was challenging. We crossed 2 rivers swollen by recent rains and walked through muddy, slippery terrain. As we made our way, I couldn’t help but reflect on how Typhoon Kristine, which had passed just two days earlier, had shaped the landscape we were now traversing. Although the storm made landfall in Isabela, its impact was still evident in the rivers and the soil beneath our feet.
The trail was challenging. We crossed 2 rivers swollen by recent rains and walked through muddy, slippery terrain. As we made our way, I couldn’t help but reflect on how Typhoon Kristine, which had passed just two days earlier, had shaped the landscape we were now traversing. Although the storm made landfall in Isabela, its impact was still evident in the rivers and the soil beneath our feet.
Despite the rough path, I joined 33 community members to plant 1,373 native tree seedlings. As I transferred a seedling into the soil, I reflected on the crucial role of the Sierra Madre Mountains. PAGASA reported during their public weather briefing on October 24 that Typhoon Kristine slightly weakened while crossing Northern Luzon due to land interaction.
The Sierra Madre is defined by its mountain range that spans the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya in the north, extending through Aurora, Nueva Ecija, and Bulacan in Central Luzon, and reaching Rizal, Laguna, Quezon, all the way to the Bicol region in the south. This region contains the largest remaining area of old-growth tropical rainforest in the Philippines and is the longest mountain range often referred to as the "backbone of Luzon,". And being true to its role, with Typhoon Kristine, Sierra Madre once again helped shield communities from more severe damage, reducing the storm's intensity as it moved inland. It was a humbling reminder of how nature has always been human’s protector and provider.
The Growing Challenge of Disasters and Climate Change
But not every storm can be softened by a mountain range. Climate change is making typhoons stronger, harder to predict, and more frequent, creating enormous challenges for disaster risk reduction. The Philippines, in particular, faces significant risks because of its location—lying along the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and being in the typhoon belt.
On September 14, 2024, the World Risk Index once again ranked the Philippines as the most disaster-prone country in the world, a spot it has held since 2009. This grim reality highlights not just the country’s exposure to natural hazards but also the challenges in rebuilding communities and recovering from disasters. Each storm leaves behind more than just physical destruction—it disrupts livelihoods, halts businesses, and slows down the nation’s development.
Adding to these challenges are human activities that worsen the environment, such as deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources. As forests shrink and ecosystems degrade, the risks associated with typhoons, floods, and landslides increase, further complicating disaster management efforts.
On September 14, 2024, the World Risk Index once again ranked the Philippines as the most disaster-prone country in the world, a spot it has held since 2009. This grim reality highlights not just the country’s exposure to natural hazards but also the challenges in rebuilding communities and recovering from disasters. Each storm leaves behind more than just physical destruction—it disrupts livelihoods, halts businesses, and slows down the nation’s development.
Adding to these challenges are human activities that worsen the environment, such as deforestation and overexploitation of natural resources. As forests shrink and ecosystems degrade, the risks associated with typhoons, floods, and landslides increase, further complicating disaster management efforts.
Tree Planting as a Nature-Based Solution
This is where solutions like tree planting come in. Tree planting is more than just putting seedlings in the ground—it is a crucial part of building resilience and preparing communities for future disasters. Forests help stabilize soil, prevent landslides, reduce flooding, and purify the air. They also serve as natural defenses, similar to the role the Sierra Madre played during Typhoon Kristine.
What made this tree planting activity in Sto. Niño particularly meaningful was the active involvement of the community. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring the trees thrive and the benefits are long-lasting.
What made this tree planting activity in Sto. Niño particularly meaningful was the active involvement of the community. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, ensuring the trees thrive and the benefits are long-lasting.
Beyond environmental protection, community-driven efforts like these offer economic opportunities. Forest management can provide livelihoods through sustainable practices, allowing locals to earn income while also contributing to ecological restoration.
Moving Forward: Nature and Community Working Together
Typhoon Kristine’s passing was a stark reminder of the need for proactive environmental efforts. Natural barriers like the Sierra Madre are essential in reducing disaster impacts, but they cannot do it alone. With climate change making storms stronger and more unpredictable, we must take action to restore and protect our ecosystems.
Tree planting may seem like a small act, but it is a powerful step toward building a safer, greener future. It strengthens the environment, empowers communities, and nurtures a deeper connection between people and nature.
When people and nature work together, we build a future where both can weather even the toughest storms. Every seedling that takes root, we take one step closer to a future where both people and the planet can thrive, hand in hand.
Tree planting may seem like a small act, but it is a powerful step toward building a safer, greener future. It strengthens the environment, empowers communities, and nurtures a deeper connection between people and nature.
When people and nature work together, we build a future where both can weather even the toughest storms. Every seedling that takes root, we take one step closer to a future where both people and the planet can thrive, hand in hand.
