Top officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Department of Health, and the Philippine Air Force participated in a send-off ceremony for the first batch of humanitarian responders heading to Myanmar to assist with recovery efforts following a devastating earthquake. The Philippine contingent departed from Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on April 1, 2025.
The ceremony was organized by the Office of Civil Defense and attended by Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lieutenant General Arthur M. Cordura, and OCD officials Asec. Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, Asec. Charlie Bathan, and Asec. Cesar Idio.
Two C-130 aircraft transported the initial 58 members for a two-week deployment, with the remaining 33 members scheduled to depart by a single C-130 on April 2, 2025.
The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) comprises 90 personnel led by Lt. Col. Erwin S. Diploma from the Philippine Air Force. The team includes Urban Search and Rescue Units from the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Additionally, professionals from the private sector, including EDC and APEX Mining, have joined the mission, along with the Philippine Medical Assistance Team from the Department of Health and coordinators from the Office of Civil Defense.
Two C-130 aircraft transported the initial 58 members for a two-week deployment, with the remaining 33 members scheduled to depart by a single C-130 on April 2, 2025. The personnel are equipped with essential search and rescue tools and medical supplies, prepared to conduct life-saving operations and deliver critical aid. Notably, 40 Philippine Air Force personnel are part of the mission, serving as aircrew, aeromedical support, and aircraft security.
In his send-off speech, Undersecretary Nepomuceno expressed gratitude to the team for their expertise and dedication as the Philippines stands in solidarity with Myanmar during this crisis, which has resulted in at least 2,000 fatalities from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake, with nearly 4,000 injured and around 270 still missing.
“While this is your duty under the direction of President Bongbong Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., we want to express our deepest gratitude,” Nepomuceno stated. He emphasized, “This mission exemplifies our commitment to ‘One ASEAN, One Response.’ The Philippines is ready to assist.” He encouraged the team to perform admirably, saying, “Make our country proud, and make yourselves proud.”
Earlier, the Office of Civil Defense acknowledged the need for improved preparedness in the Philippines for strong earthquakes, similar to the one that struck Myanmar.
Fulfilling the Mission
Lt. Col. Erwin Diploma expressed his honor in leading the contingent and pledged to excel in Myanmar’s search and rescue operations. “We have the capability and technical equipment, alongside our experienced rescuers,” he noted, adding that lessons learned from recent rescue efforts in Turkey will guide their operations. “We ask for our fellow countrymen’s prayers for our success in Myanmar,” he added, highlighting the fulfillment derived from aiding others.
Showcasing Disaster Medicine Expertise
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted that the 32-member team from the Department of Health is part of 52 emergency medical teams globally certified by the World Health Organization for international deployment. “We are proud to represent teams number 44, 45, and 46,” he noted, referencing three Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Teams (PEMAT) recognized by the WHO. Herbosa expressed confidence that these teams would once again demonstrate the Philippines’ expertise in disaster medicine, emphasizing that their deployment in Myanmar also prepares them for potential future disasters at home. “In the event of a major earthquake in Metro Manila, it will be you who will respond,” he said.
Earlier, the Office of Civil Defense acknowledged the need for improved preparedness in the Philippines for strong earthquakes, similar to the one that struck Myanmar. Nepomuceno candidly noted the urgent need for the country to enhance its readiness, citing studies that suggest a strong earthquake could result in 30,000 to 50,000 fatalities and over a hundred thousand injuries.
