The aftermath of Typhoon Tino left a trail of destruction across Cebu that many of us won’t soon forget. While the the rain stopped water has finally receeded, the real challenge was just beginning for our fellow Cebuanos. In the mountain barangays and low-lying coastal areas, families were left not only with damaged homes but with the daunting task of finding their next meal.
In response to this crisis, our team launched #ProjectGreenBag—a mission rooted in the belief that even a small gesture of kindness can provide the strength needed to start over. Today, we are proud and humbled to share that through your collective efforts, we have successfully reached over 100 families in some of the hardest-hit areas.
The Journey to the Uplands: Sapangdaku
Our first stop was the mountain barangays of Sapangdaku, particularly those living in Sitio Camellano. Known for their beautiful views, these areas became incredibly difficult to access following the typhoon. Landslides and muddy, steep terrain made the delivery a logistical challenge.
However, seeing the resilience of the residents made every kilometer worth it. These families, often overlooked because of their remote location, received our “Green Bags” with overwhelming gratitude.
For them, it wasn’t just about the rice, canned goods, and hygiene kits, or food provided for their children; it was the realization that people from the city hadn’t forgotten them.
Wading Through the Aftermath: Balamban
The following week, we headed to the flood-affected barangays in Balamban. Here, the story was different but equally heartbreaking. Families were busy shoveling thick mud out of their living rooms and drying what little clothing they had left. The flooding had contaminated local water sources and swept away food stocks, while some have totally lost their most cherished homes.
The arrival of #ProjectGreenBag provided an immediate lifeline. We focused on ensuring that mothers had clean supplies for their children and that elderly residents had the nutritional support they needed to stay healthy in their recovery state. We handed over 50+ of greenbags and some early Christmas loot bags for the children.
A Movement Powered by You: Our Sponsors and Donors
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but it takes an entire community to lift a province after a disaster. #ProjectGreenBag would have remained a mere idea if not for the outpouring of support from our partners.
To our Major Sponsors: A massive thank you to Christian Life Community in the Philippines (CLC Philippines), Herbert John & Friends, Loudhouse studio/ Sandwich project/ Firecloud. Your corporate social responsibility isn’t just a policy; it’s a heartbeat. Your bulk donations allowed us to scale our operations faster than we ever imagined.
To our Individual Donors: Halden Capuyan, Iris Tan, Jacel Bordario, Kim Aying. (Apologies to some I can no longer recall), To those who donated anonymously, to those who sent money via GCash, dropped off groceries at our hub, or even shared our posts online—thank you. We received donations from all walks of life. Whether it was a student’s spare change or a professional’s weekend salary, every cent was converted into a meal, a bottle of water, or a bar of soap.
Finally, our deepest gratitude goes out to the incredible volunteers who served as the hands and feet of #ProjectGreenBag. While others stayed home to recover, you chose to lace up your boots, carry heavy loads up the mountains of Sapangdaku, and navigate the muddy streets of Balamban. Your tireless energy—from the early hours of packing goods to the long trek for distribution—was the fuel that kept this mission moving. To everyone who offered their time, their vehicles, and their strength: you are the unsung heroes of this campaign, and we are so proud to have served alongside you.
While the emergency phase of our relief operation has concluded, the spirit of #ProjectGreenBag lives on. We are currently assessing how we can support long-term recovery, perhaps through school supply drives or sustainable livelihood projects for the families we met in Sapangdaku and Balamban.
The “Green Bag” is more than a pack of goods; it is a promise that we will stand by each other when the skies turn grey.
Thank you for being the silver lining in the storm.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” — Coretta Scott King