The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) is scheduled to return to the country on Monday, April 14, after providing essential support to victims in Myanmar, which was devastated by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake two weeks ago.
The contingent, comprised of 89 personnel from various agencies, will be welcomed in a formal ceremony at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Monday, April 14, in honor of their service, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) declared Sunday, April 13.
“I honor your courage and compassion to serve. As a Filipino, I am immensely proud of each of you for being ready to help our neighbors in their time of need,” OCD Administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said, emphasizing the team's successful completion of their mission.
“The PIAHC’s logistical preparations are in place, ensuring an organized and smooth return. As they prepare to board the C-130 aircraft for their journey home, the contingent reflects on a mission marked by collaboration and compassion, reinforcing the spirit of solidarity that defines the One ASEAN, One Response initiative,” he added.
The team includes urban search and rescue units from the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Together, they visited various disaster sites such as the collapsed Jade City Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw and collaborated with teams from Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore to locate potential victims trapped in the rubble amid hazardous conditions, limited communication equipment, and extreme heat.
There were also health professionals and coordinators from the Department of Health - Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (DOH-PEMAT) and OCD, as well as volunteers from private sectors including Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and Apex Mining Co., Inc.
The team was equipped with essential search and rescue tools and medical supplies which they used in conducting life-saving operations and delivering critical aid.
They established a tent hospital near the Bomingaung Temple in Began, Myanmar and provided free check-ups and medicines to hundreds of quake victims. The medical team conducted at least 157 medical consultations on various cases such as hypertension, hypertensive crisis, arthrosis, muscle and urinary disorders, body injuries, and pneumonia among others. It also received at least 238 patients, including one with neonatal sepsis who was referred to a general hospital in Pyinmana.
Earlier this week, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. relayed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s congratulations, commending the team for their outstanding work.
Lt. Erwen Diploma, contingent commander of PIAHC, said he feels proud of his team as they served in Myanmar while carrying the name of the Philippines on their backs.
“With deep gratitude, I humbly receive the message of appreciation from the President and the Secretary of National Defense. It is a great honor for me as the Contingent Commander and my team to serve in the name of our country. I will proudly convey this message to every member of the PIAHC team, whose dedication and hard work made this possible,” he said.
The contingent concluded its operations on April 12, with all teams accounted for. The OCD said the contingent has finished preparations for demobilization.
The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team also wrapped up its activities in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw, while the PEMAT conducted final medical consultations and delivered essential supplies to the Myanmar Ministry of Health.
A congratulatory assembly was also held in Myanmar as Mr. Angelito Nayan, the Charge d’Affaires of the Philippine Embassy to Myanmar, acknowledged the PIAHC’s dedication and resilience throughout the mission.
Further, a total cargo of 19,458 lbs (8,844.63 kgs) consisting of hygiene kits and tarpaulin sheets donated by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) was sent to Myanmar on Saturday and Sunday via a C-130 aircraft.
The OCD facilitated the transportation, provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“This effort is part of the One ASEAN, One Response initiative, aimed at assisting our neighbors during times of crisis and disaster,” Nepomuceno explained.