Malacañang Palace has lauded the heroic efforts exhibited by the Philippine humanitarian team in supporting search and rescue operations in Myanmar.

The Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent arrived home on Monday, 14 April, after a successful two-week mission in Myanmar.

According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, the Philippine contingent received commendation and was honored for their display of heroism amid the destruction in Myanmar brought by the devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake, which claimed more than 3,600 lives.

“Nagkaroon po ito ng commendation at sila po talaga ay kumbaga ay pinarangalan po dahil sa kanilang napakatapang na pagsagupa dito sa kanilang obligasyon at sa kanilang duty po (This resulted in a commendation and they were honored because of their very brave response to their obligation and their duty),” she said in a press briefing on Monday.

“Kaya po ang lahat po ng nanggaling po at tumulong po sa Myanmar, kayo po ay aming pinasasalamatan. Kapuri-puri po ang inyong mga ginawa (So to all those who came and helped in Myanmar, we thank you. Your actions are commendable),” she added.

During the arrival honors for the humanitarian contingent at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro extended the appreciation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to the Philippine humanitarian contingent.

“Ipinamalas ninyo ang espirito ng mga Pilipino na tumutulong sa kapwa at tumutulong lalo na sa panahon ng pangangailangan (You have shown the spirit of the Filipinos who help others and extend help especially in times of need). So the selflessness that you’ve shown, the professionalism that you have shown are something that the Filipino people are very grateful for and are proud of,” he said.

“Sa ngalan po ng ating pangulo, at ng sambayanan, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat (On behalf of our President and the Filipino people, thank you all very much),” he added.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa also commended the actions of the Philippine humanitarian contingent.

“Today, we gather not only to welcome home brave men and women but also to honor the selflessness, compassion, and unwavering spirit that you have demonstrated in the face of tragedy beyond our shores,” he said.

“In the moment of great need, you, our Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent, rose to the occasion, you responded not just as experts in rescue, health and logistics coordination but as true ambassadors of hope and humanity,” he added.

He noted that the humanitarian team embodied the “One ASEAN, One Response” principle in responding to the needs of the Philippines’ ASEAN neighbors.

“With your help, you proved that the Philippines is reliable, caring, and capable of responding to areas wherever it is needed,” Herbosa stressed.

“And as you returned home, you brought with you the respect and admiration of the entire people. You once again raised the honor of our country, your dedication and courage and concern will not be forgotten,” he added.

The 89-member contingent is composed of personnel from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Department of Health, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Emergency Response Team, Energy Development Corporation, and Apex Mining Co. Inc.

Apart from the health and defense chiefs, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., PAF chief Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura, and representatives from various partner agencies also welcomed the contingent.