EXPERIENCES WITH TYPHOON ULYSSES: THE VOICE OF A

FARMER REVEALED

INTERVIEWEE’S PERSONAL INFORMATION

NAME: Miguel Claro Balicoco

AGE: 58
PRIMARY SOURCE OF INCOME: Farming
GENDER: Male
ADDRESS: Barangay Cadcadir West, Claveria, Cagayan

INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPTION

INTERVIEWER: How did you witness the wrath of Typhoon Ulysses and its impact on your
surroundings?

I live in Barangay Cadcadir West, Claveria, Cagayan and it's one of the worse Typhoon I've
witnessed first-hand in my five decades of residing in this community. Undoubtedly, it had a
negative impact in my locality which includes the agricultural casualties, the long period of no
electricity, the scattered debris, the problem with food supplies and the like.

INTERVIEWER: In such chaotic situation, have you ever felt hope?

As the pillar of our home, I should be the root of my family's strength. For many decades, we've
faced a lot of typhoons but I've never lost hope. After such chaotic situation, I tell to myself that
I'm relieved that we're alive and safe, and that's what matters the most to me.

INTERVIEWER: Can you describe any challenges or difficulties you faced after the typhoon?

Some notable challenges that I've faced after Typhoon Ulysses are fixing the damages it caused
to our humble house, cleaning its aftermath such as the fallen trees and garbage swept by the
flood, and deal with the agricultural casualties since it's my primary source of income.

INTERVIEWER: Did you have access to accurate and timely information about the typhoon
before it hit? How did this information impact your preparedness?

Yes, I had access for important information since I watched the Weather report on Television
and people in my community talked about this. With this information, I was able to repair and
secure the parts of our house that are susceptible to damages like the roof. Moreover, hearing
about the Typhoon Ulysses, my family was able to prepare non-perishable food supply,
flashlight and other items in an emergency kit. And lastly, all documents such as Birth
Certificate and other valuable files were stored in a safe place.

INTERVIEWER: How did Typhoon Ulysses affect your community, and what kind of support
or assistance did you observe being provided?

Due to the havoc the Typhoon caused, there was a long period of brown out with a very wide
scope affecting Numerous places in Cagayan Valley, and our barangay was not an exemption.
There was also a lack of food supply due to the risk of flood and landslide, that's why a lot of
people couldn't buy essential things. However, assistance was provided in the form of relief
goods especially to those who were greatly affected by the said calamity. In terms of steadfast
emergency response, rescuers were actively voyaging in speedboats to check if there are people
who needs to be evacuated from their homes.

INTERVIEWER: Do you feel that the government or relevant authorities effectively

communicated information and responded to the needs of the affected areas? Why or why not?

Based on what I've observed during the Typhoon, barangay officials were responsible enough to
check all the houses, and if there were damages, they'd take a picture of it and send it to the
LGU. In addition, they would also update the people with timely and accurate information
regarding the typhoon. So yes, the government/ authorities in our locality effectively
communicate information and responded to the needs of the affect areas.

INTERVIEWER: How did emergency response services perform during and after the typhoon?
Were there areas that faced difficulties in receiving assistance?

The emergency response services were consistent when it comes to the people's safety but one
thing I've noticed is that people like me, doesn't know the emergency hotlines. It would be easier
and convenient for both sides if these are present in every home for a quicker and immediate
response. On another note, all areas received assistance during the Typhoon and there were no
difficulties faced by any areas when it comes to receiving support from authorities.

INTERVIEWER: What measures do you think could have been taken to mitigate the
vulnerabilities and reduce the impact of the typhoon on your community?

Honestly, I think some Filipinos are nonchalant when it comes to this kind of calamities, they
tend to underestimate its possible impact, resulting to great number of casualties. Therefore, it
should be taken seriously to mitigate the possible damages it can cause.

INTERVIEWER: Were there vulnerable groups in your community (elderly, disabled,

economically disadvantaged, etc.) that faced heightened risks during the typhoon?

A lot of people here resides in riverside just like the Indigenous People. Fortunately, they were
evacuated to a higher place even before the Typhoon Ulysses hits.
INTERVIEWER: Can you describe any immediate emotional or psychological reactions you had
during the typhoon and its aftermath?

Of course, I felt devastated and sad as I'd seen the current situation of my surroundings.
Moreover, I felt pity for those who's house were damaged because thankfully, our home wasn't.
And I believe any normal person will react the same way like I did.

INTERVIEWER: In what ways has Typhoon Ulysses influenced your mental health and
emotional resilience?

I would say it contributed to my overthinking in regards to financial matters since I wasn't able
to harvest all my rice crops due to the intense flooding.

INTERVIEWER: Did you or anyone you know suffer property damage, and if so, how are
recovery efforts being handled?

There were an estimated of 0.7 hectares that I wasn't able to harvest on time. Others were able
to harvest all their crops before me, but unfortunately, some of their sack of rice were swept by
the flood. I’m not sure of the recovery efforts but I will make sure that next time I will harvest all
the crops on time to avoid making the same mistake ever again.

INTERVIEWER: But how many did you harvest during that time?

We were able to harvest 3 hectares only.

INTERVIEWER: Have you faced any financial challenges or loss of income directly linked to
Typhoon Ulysses?

Yes. We borrowed cash to finance our agricultural activities such as the acquisition of seeds,
fertilizers, and pesticides. But since we weren't able to harvest all the crops due to the typhoon,
we were short in cash payment so we resorted to mortgage in order to pay for what we had
borrowed from loaning.

(Note: This is transcribed based on the audio recording of the said interview. The interviewer and the
respondent agreed to have Ilocano as the medium of the said interview)

Presented by:

BAÑEZ, ANTHONY M.
BAYANI, ROGER
GUILLERMO, LEONARD
ILAC, FRANK GIDEON
MAQUIRAYA, MARC
OALLESMA, KEITH JOHN
SACBIBIT, SHERWIN KEITH