The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has awarded a total of P6.9 million in cash incentives to members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) and Philippine Air Force personnel who were deployed to Myanmar following a deadly earthquake earlier this year.

In a ceremonial turnover held on 4 July at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, 138 Filipino responders each received P50,000 for their participation in the 12-day humanitarian and search-and-rescue mission.

The Philippine contingent was sent to Myanmar on 1 April, days after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the country on 28 March. The disaster claimed more than 2,000 lives and injured nearly 4,000 others.

PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the agency is committed to supporting Filipino humanitarian missions abroad.

“We honor not just your bravery, but the compassion that defines Filipino humanitarian missions,” he said. “We will always support efforts that reflect the best of who we are as a people: resilient, selfless, and ready to help those in need wherever they may be."

The deployed team, composed of personnel from the Office of Civil Defense, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Emergency Response Team, and the Department of Health, provided both medical and logistical support during the mission.

While in Myanmar, the contingent operated a Type 1 Fixed Field Hospital in Pyinmana, Naypyidaw, treating over 1,000 patients for various medical conditions. They also assisted in search-and-rescue operations in coordination with local authorities.

Contingent Commander Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma acknowledged the physical and emotional challenges of the mission, saying the support from PAGCOR affirms the value of the team’s efforts.

“This support from PAGCOR is a strong message that the efforts of Filipino humanitarian responders are valued and recognized,” Diploma said.