The Department of Health (DoH) has commended its medical team that deployed to Myanmar to assist in search and rescue operations and provide aid to Filipinos affected by the recent magnitude-7.7 earthquake that hit the country.

In a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa lauded the team’s rapid deployment, noting that they arrived in Myanmar within 48 hours of the quake — a testament to the Philippines’ disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

“Our team was able to set up a field hospital within six hours — faster than even our wealthier ASEAN neighbors like Singapore,” Herbosa said. “This success comes from training, planning, and having the right equipment. We’ve built prepared teams equipped with everything they need.”

One of 3 ASEAN teams

Herbosa shared that the Philippine contingent was among only three ASEAN teams — Japan and Singapore were the others — initially allowed to assist in Myanmar. Indonesia was later permitted to send a team as well.

“I think we are world-class,” Herbosa said. “The Philippines was the first to arrive. That speaks volumes about our capacity.”

Filipinos trusted to lead

Herbosa also highlighted the prominent role of Filipino professionals in international humanitarian efforts.

“We’re not just supplying nurses to the world — we’re also sending doctors and staff skilled in disaster risk reduction and management,” he said. “In agencies like WHO, UNDP and UNICEF, Filipinos are often chosen to lead response teams.”

He said members of the team that went to Myanmar had also been deployed to Turkiye after the 2023 earthquake there.

Future of emergency response

Herbosa said the team will continue training and help to prepare future emergency responders.

Part of DoH’s broader plan is for every hospital in the Philippines to have at least 100 trained disaster personnel, including doctors, nurses, engineers and other specialists.

“We’re now seeing training hospitals sharing their knowledge and skills with others. Some of these hospitals have achieved WHO certification,” he said.

The Philippines is aiming to reach Level 1 of the World Health Organization’s international emergency medical team verification, which qualifies for outpatient and emergency care services. Levels 2 and 3 cover surgical and in-patient care, with Level 3 including full ICU capabilities in field hospitals.

“We’re working toward achieving these levels of international verification,” Herbosa said.