The Philippine government has swiftly mobilized humanitarian aid to assist Myanmar following the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that claimed over 1,000 lives.
In a statement, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) announced the formation of a critical interagency meeting to coordinate the country’s disaster response and deliver essential assistance to affected communities.
The Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT), composed of 31 personnel from the Department of Health, is on standby for deployment.
Additionally, an 80-member Light Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and private sector partners will be dispatched.
This brings the total number of personnel involved to 114, including two representatives from the OCD and Contingent Commander Lt. Col. Erwin Diploma of the Philippine Air Force.
Three additional members of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ASEAN-ERAT) were also requested by the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) to travel to Myanmar by March 30, 2025.
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Gilberto Teodoro Jr. extended his condolences, stating, “We stand in solidarity with Myanmar during this difficult time. The Philippines is ready to respond to the urgent needs of our neighbors, and we are mobilizing resources to provide assistance as quickly as possible.”
OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno also expressed sympathy, saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Myanmar. The Office of Civil Defense, along with other government agencies, is committed to assisting Myanmar, drawing from our experience in providing immediate aid during the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.”