The Department of Health (DOH) confirmed that three emergency medical assistance teams in the Philippines have been certified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for international disaster and humanitarian deployment.
The DOH announced that on Sept. 20, the WHO recognized the verification of three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT).
The three PEMATs that have received verification are Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium (PEMAT Metro Manila), Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (PEMAT Luzon), and Eastern Visayas Medical Center (PEMAT Visayas).
“We are beyond proud of this achievement in organizing these teams, which signify resilience and dedication in the name of service to the country,” said DOH Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
“We stand united with our fellow nations in prioritizing safety and emergency response to crises as we value each life. Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga (because of the New Philippines, Every Life Matters),” Herbosa said.
The DOH noted that globally, the WHO has verified only 46 teams that have met their Emergency Medical Team (EMT) standards, with the Philippine teams classified as the 44th, 45th, and 46th teams.
“The Philippines was also acknowledged by the WHO as the only country to have three Type 1 teams at one verification schedule,” the DOH stated.
The DOH explained that these PEMATs will be part of the WHO’s Registry of Internationally Deployable Teams, which can self-sustain and deliver medical and public health services, as well as operate as an outpatient department within existing health facilities or as standalone health facilities, serving in temporary health tents during disasters worldwide.
The ‘EMT Badge’
Meanwhile, the DOH—through the Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB)—is leading the organization of the PEMAT according to the standards set by the WHO Emergency Medical Team (EMT) initiative.
PEMAT is a “self-sustaining medical assistance team that provides medical and public health services.”
It can also operate as an outpatient department within existing health facilities or as a standalone health facility, serving in temporary health tents during disasters.
The creation of the PEMAT is a key national objective under the Plan of Action to implement the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders' Declaration on Disaster Health Management.
Through this plan, ASEAN member states have committed to establishing at least one EMT that adheres to WHO standards.
The verification visit was conducted from Sept. 16 to 20 and assessed their capabilities in clinical management, logistics, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). The WHO Singapore Emergency Medical Team and Japan Disaster Relief awarded the EMT badge to these three teams, officially recognizing them for international humanitarian deployment.
The acceptance of the EMT badge is a prestigious recognition that signifies the teams' highest level of preparedness and ability to respond effectively to humanitarian emergencies worldwide.
EMTs around the world provide essential healthcare services in challenging environments, making them valuable assets to both domestic and international humanitarian efforts.
The WHO commended the DOH and the PEMATs for their “continued dedication” to providing quality emergency care and support to Filipinos and other countries in need.
“May the EMT badge further strengthen your commitment to humanitarian response and public health for all,” said WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus.
In 2023, the Philippines deployed its first PEMAT to provide medical assistance during the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the Republic of Türkiye, where they treated a total of 1,022 patients during their 14-day operation within the 21-day mission.
The WHO's recognition cements PEMAT's role as a leading provider of emergency medical care. With the hard-earned EMT badge, PEMATs remain dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening global health security.
Herbosa added that the WHO-recognized PEMATs demonstrate the DOH’s “commitment and capability” to safeguard public health and respond to crises—both here and abroad.
“This is a proud moment for our country!” Herbosa said, noting that the Philippines will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with the international community regarding public health and crisis response.