Kapamilya actress and TV host Anne Curtis-Heussaff expressed alarm and concern over the circulating images showing what appears to be deforestation in the Sierra Madre mountain range—known to serve as a natural barrier that weakens typhoons before they hit Luzon.
Anne reposted a viral image on X (formerly Twitter), showing aerial views of cleared forest areas in Dinapigue, Isabela, with a caption from a concerned netizen questioning the reported 25-year mining contract granted in the area.
“Good morning! Is this real? Can anyone confirm this? This [is] quite concerning,” Anne wrote.
“I remember people saying #SierraMadre played a huge role in breaking typhoons’ strength before it hit the cities. I truly hope this isn’t real!!!!”
Good morning! Is this real can anyone confirm this? This quite concerning. I remember people saying #SierraMadre played a huge role in breaking typhoons strength before it hit the cities. I truly hope this isn’t real!!!! https://t.co/dama4qDgPs
— Anne Curtis-Smith (@annecurtissmith) May 21, 2025
The original post that Anne shared read: “Money will kill us all! Talagang pinayagan sila ng Mayor ng Dinapigue, Isabela to do a 25-year contract mining operation? Para saan?”
“Hindi ba nila alam na Sierra Madre protects us from typhoons? Ano ba mas importante sa Isabela—ang pera sa bulsa nila or ang buhay ng mga kababayan natin kapag tinatamaan ang Luzon ng bagyo? #Déforestation”
Several X users confirmed to Anne that the photos were real and referenced recent news reports and satellite images showing land clearing in the forested areas of Sierra Madre.
According to reports published on May 21, satellite views from Google Maps revealed the visibly cleared sections in Dinapigue. The activity is reportedly linked to Dinapigue Mining Corporation, a company with a 25-year mining contract approved by national authorities.
Dinapigue Mayor Vicente D. Mendoza confirmed that the mining operations are legal and supported by proper documentation and permits from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
However, environmental advocates argue that regardless of the operation’s legality, the ecological consequences remain alarming. Sierra Madre, they emphasize, must be preserved due to its vital role in protecting the country from typhoons and in maintaining biodiversity.
Actor Jake Ejercito also weighed in earlier, saying: “The Sierra Madre shields us from typhoons, and we return the favor by cutting down its forests for profit.”
The Sierra Madre shields us from typhoons and we return the favor by cutting down its forests for profit ♂️ https://t.co/jsMvunbrrJ
— jake ejercito (@unoemilio) May 21, 2025
As of this writing, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
LionhearTV remains open to DENR’s side and will update this report upon their response.
