By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Following a two-week deployment in response to the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that shook Myanmar on March 28, the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent arrived at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City shortly before midnight on Sunday, April 13.
The 89-member crew was composed of personnel from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine Medical Assistance Team from the Department of Health (DOH).
Prior to their trip back to the Philippines, the contingent was lauded in a congratulatory gathering spearheaded by the Philippine Embassy in Yangon and attended by Philippine Embassy in Myanmar Charge d’Affaires Angelito Nayan.
Nayan honored the team’s resilience and unwavering commitment in their resolve to assist in humanitarian and relief operations in quake-hit Myanmar, citing such as the true essence of bayanihan and a reflection of the country’s firm commitment to diplomatic ties with other nations.
The disaster response team departed in two batches on April 1 and 2, and upon their return to the country, was honored in a welcome ceremony led by Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., along with Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Office of Civil Defense Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., PAF Commanding General Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, and representatives from various partner agencies.
In his message, Defense Secretary Teodoro Jr. conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s heartfelt congratulations, commending the team’s courage and commitment. Health Secretary Herbosa, meanwhile, lauded the contingent’s selflessness, compassion, and unwavering spirit in delivering life-saving aid in the wake of the disaster.
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