PAGCOR hands Myanmar relief, rescue team P6.9-M incentive

Members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) and Philippine Air Force personnel, who aided in rescue and relief operations in Myanmar earlier this year, received P6.9 million in cash incentives from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

A total of 138 responders were each given P50,000 during a ceremony held recently at Camp Aguinaldo. The recognition came months after the team was deployed to Myanmar in the wake of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the country on 28 March, leaving over 2,000 people dead and nearly 4,000 injured.

PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco acknowledged the contributions of the team, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to humanitarian initiatives.

“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 PIAHC contingent, which included 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, was sent to Myanmar on 1 April.

They provided logistical and medical aid, operating a Type 1 Fixed Field Hospital in Pyinmana, Naypyidaw, where 1,056 patients received treatment. The team also coordinated with local authorities on search-and-rescue efforts.

Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, who led the contingent, reflected on the toll the mission took on the responders. “This support from PAGCOR is a strong message that the efforts of Filipino humanitarian responders are valued and recognized,” he said.

PAGCOR also received a plaque of appreciation from the Department of National Defense, acknowledging the agency’s ongoing support for international humanitarian deployments. PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Security Raul Villanueva accepted the plaque on behalf of Chairman Tengco.

This followed a previous P4.1 million incentive PAGCOR provided to responders deployed to Türkiye in 2023.