OUR STORY
When Typhoon Ulysses devastated Cagayan in 2020, communities in Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Alcala, and Amulung faced a desperate situation – homes submerged, no food, no clean water. The challenge of helping them seemed insurmountable: relief goods were stuck in Manila due to COVID-19 restrictions, Buntun bridge was cut off, and Patapat Viaduct was blocked by landslides. Making matters worse, finding drivers was nearly impossible – many were sick or scared of COVID-19 infection. Yet one foundation driver stepped forward, ready to navigate both the pandemic protocols and hazardous roads. Each trip required an exhausting process of securing permits, health certificates, and checkpoint clearances that could take days to process.
The moment Patapat Viaduct reopened, Green Heart Foundation launched into action. For weeks, our lone driver braved the complex journey, carrying essential cargo – sacks of rice, canned goods, and drinking water. Each trip meant enduring long checkpoint queues, presenting multiple permits, and repeated health screenings. What should have been a simple delivery route became a test of patience and determination.
Despite these overwhelming obstacles – pandemic restrictions, damaged infrastructure, limited manpower, and bureaucratic hurdles – we found ways to reach those who needed help most. This wasn’t just a relief operation – it was a testament to human resilience and determination. Through careful planning, unwavering courage, and the dedication to help, Green Heart Foundation proved that even in the face of multiple crises, there’s always a way to help those in need.
Activity
Pre-Deployment Activities:
-Assess affected areas (Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Alcala, Amulung), Monitor road conditions (Buntun Bridge, Patapat Viaduct), Secure COVID-19 protocols and requirements, Prepare necessary permits and documents, Arrange health certificates, Source essential supplies in Manila
Documentation Requirements:
-Travel permits, Health certificates, Quarantine passes, Cargo manifests, Driver’s credentials, Vehicle papers, COVID-19 test results
Logistics Planning:
-Route planning around closures, Checkpoint mapping, Alternative route identification, Fuel stop planning, Rest point identification, Loading/unloading schedules
Relief Goods Management:
-Rice procurement, Canned goods inventory, Drinking water supply, Loading coordination, Distribution planning, Supply tracking
Safety Protocols:
-COVID-19 screening procedures, Vehicle sanitization, Driver safety measures, Checkpoint protocols, Emergency procedures, Communication systems
Distribution Activities:
-Community coordination, Delivery scheduling, Unloading procedures, Beneficiary verification, Distribution documentation, Progress reporting
Volunteers
Renel Ramos
Rosela Ramos
Joseph Deo Failogna
Albert Calumpit
Emy Sacramed
Engel de Guzman
Chito Majabague
Recipients
Flood Victims:
Camalanuigan
Gattaran
Amulong
Alcala
Funds and Resources
Ramos Family: Php 280,000.00
PMMAAAI, Makati Relief Goods
PCG Headquarters, Manila Relief Goods
Recognition
Renel Ramos
Chito Majabaque
PMMAAAI
Philippine Coastguard (PCG)
What went well
The success of our Typhoon Ulysses relief operations in 2020 was marked by several key achievements. Our quick response capability showed clearly when we immediately mobilized as soon as Patapat Viaduct reopened, turning plans into action despite the challenging conditions.
Our problem-solving approach proved particularly effective. Despite severe limitations – closed roads, strict COVID-19 protocols, and a shortage of drivers – we found workable solutions. The foundation’s ability to operate with just one dedicated driver, while managing complex documentation and safety requirements, demonstrated remarkable resourcefulness.
Resource management emerged as another strong point. We successfully secured and delivered essential supplies – rice, canned goods, and drinking water – maintaining a steady flow of aid despite infrastructural and bureaucratic challenges. The careful route planning and efficient use of our limited transportation resources kept supplies moving to communities in need.
Perhaps most importantly, we achieved our main goal: reaching four municipalities – Camalaniugan, Gattaran, Alcala, and Amulung – with essential aid. Through focused dedication and careful compliance with all requirements, we maintained regular deliveries to communities cut off by floods. This success proved that even with minimal resources, clear purpose and persistent effort can overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
What went wrong
Our Typhoon Ulysses relief operations in 2020, while ultimately successful, revealed several critical areas needing improvement. The most significant weakness was our resource limitation – relying on a single driver created a high-risk situation. If our lone driver had fallen ill or faced other issues, our entire operation could have halted. This highlighted our lack of backup transportation plans and insufficient manpower reserves.
Documentation emerged as another major challenge. The time-consuming process of securing permits and clearances, combined with complex checkpoint requirements, significantly slowed our response time. The lack of pre-arranged protocols and streamlined procedures meant we spent precious time navigating bureaucratic requirements when we could have been delivering aid.
Infrastructure dependencies also proved problematic. Our reliance on single access routes like Patapat Viaduct and Buntun Bridge, with no pre-planned alternatives, made us vulnerable to route closures. The absence of local storage points and supply sources meant everything had to come from Manila, adding complexity to our logistics.
Organizationally, we lacked formal crisis response systems and established local coordination networks. Our informal documentation processes and limited communication systems, while functional, weren’t optimal for emergency operations. These gaps showed us the importance of developing more structured approaches to disaster response.
What we learned
Crisis Management
-Determination can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, Careful planning matters more than speed, One dedicated person can make a huge difference, Patience is crucial when dealing with bureaucracy, Safety must always come first, even in emergencies
Resource Planning
-Need multiple backup plans for transportation, Local supply sources are valuable, Alternative routes must be identified early, Essential documents should be prepared in advance, Local partnerships are crucial
Documentation
-Keep permit templates ready, Build relationships with authorities, Document successful processes, Maintain clear records, Create streamlined procedures
Most importantly, we learned that effective aid delivery isn’t just about resources – it’s about determination and adaptability. Working with limited means taught us to be creative and resilient. This experience showed us that even in the most challenging circumstances, there’s always a way to help if we stay focused and committed.
These lessons now guide our approach to disaster response, helping us build stronger, more efficient systems for future emergencies.
What we will improve next time
Transportation Planning
-Build a network of volunteer drivers, Identify backup transportation options, Map alternative delivery routes, Create emergency vehicle agreements, Maintain driver health protocols
Documentation System
-Prepare template permits, Build relationships with authorities, Create document checklists, Streamline clearance processes, Maintain updated contact lists
Local Resources
-Identify local supply sources, Build community partnerships, Establish storage points, Create local support networks, Develop area coordinators
Emergency Preparedness
-Stock essential supplies, Pre-position resources, Train community teams, Create response protocols, Establish communication systems
While our previous operation succeeded through determination, these improvements will help us respond more efficiently in future crises. We’ll maintain our commitment to helping communities while building stronger systems for delivery.