The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) gave ₱6.9 million in cash incentives to members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) and Philippine Air Force personnel deployed to Myanmar following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit the country March 28.
During a ceremonial turnover Friday, July 4, at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, each of the 138 responders received ₱50,000 recognizing their role in the 12-day humanitarian and search-and-rescue mission.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said the agency will always support the country’s overseas humanitarian missions.
“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 team from the Office of Civil Defense, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Emergency Response Team, and Department of Health was sent to Myanmar April 1.
The team provided medical and logistical support following the disaster that resulted in over 2,000 deaths and nearly 4,000 injuries in Myanmar.
The Philippine contingent operated a Type 1 Fixed Field Hospital in Pyinmana, Naypyidaw, treating 1,056 patients with various medical conditions. Search-and-rescue operations were also conducted with local authorities.
Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, Contingent Commander, acknowledged challenges faced by the team, citing the physically demanding environment and emotional toll of witnessing the disaster’s aftermath.
“This support from PAGCOR is a strong message that the efforts of Filipino humanitarian responders are valued and recognized,” Diploma said.
PAGCOR received a plaque of appreciation from the Department of National Defense for its support to foreign humanitarian deployments, including earlier assistance to the Philippine contingent in Türkiye in 2023 for which PAGCOR gave ₱4.1 million.
PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Security Raul Villanueva received the plaque on behalf of Chairman Tengco.
