When typhoons plunge into eastern Luzon, the dramatic image of the long, forested spine of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range (SMMR) rising between the sea and inland regions invites a comforting myth. Many believe this range stands guard, shielding communities from the worst of tropical storms, a story rooted in Ilocano and Tagalog folklore. In legend, […]

According to PAGASA’s storm forecast issued on Monday, November 11, there could be up to three tropical cyclones inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this week. A tropical depression located east of the Philippines is expected to enter the PAR and will be named “Ofel” before Tropical Storm “Nika” exits on Tuesday. Ofel is […]