Sierra Madre
The Sierra Madre is the longest mountain range in the Philippines. It forms the backbone of the eastern coastline of the main island of Luzon, running from Cagayan Province up to Quezon Province. The range is approximately 500 kilometers long. The location of the Sierra Madre in the eastern part of Luzon protects the lowlands against strong typhoons during the rainy season in the middle of the year. The range is divided into the Northern Sierra Madre, which stretches from Cagayan to Isabela, and the Southern Sierra Madre, which stretches from Aurora Province to Quezon. There is a short gap dividing the two portions.
The mountains are wild and remote and not totally accessible; hence they cannot be fully developed. They are one of the remaining bastions of virgin forests and home to numerous flora and fauna, particularly the Philippine (monkey-eating) eagle. They are also rich in mineral resources yet to be tapped. The mountain range was formed in prehistoric times when tectonic plates moved inward, pushing up landmasses.
Further Reading
Action Asia. (1999) Adventure and Travel Guide to the Philippines. Hong Kong: Action Asia.
Department of Tourism. (1994) The Philippines: Spirit of Place. Manila, Philippines: Department of Tourism.
Lancion, Conrado, Jr. (1995) Fast Facts about Philippine Provinces. Manila, Philippines: Tahanan.
Parkes, Carl. (1999) Philippines Handbook. Emeryville, CA: Moon Travel Handbooks.
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