THE Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) returned to the country after a two-week mission in Myanmar to assist communities affected by the devastating 7.7 earthquake on March 28, 2025.
The team, composed of 89 personnel from various government agencies, was led by Lieutenant Colonel Erwen Diploma of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
They were deployed in two batches on April 1 and 2 and was welcomed at the Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. who led a simple welcome ceremony.
He commended the contingent for their professionalism, courage, and sacrifice, and likewise conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s heartfelt congratulations, lauding the team’s dedication and unwavering commitment.
“The selflessness that you’ve shown, the professionalism that you’ve shown, is something that the Filipinos are very grateful for and are proud of. So, sa ngalan po uli ng ating Pangulo at ng sambayanan, marami pong salamat sa inyong lahat,” Teodoro stated.
The contingent included personnel from the PAF, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and medical professionals from the Department of Health’s (DOH) Philippine Medical Assistance Team.
Also present were DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Office of Civil Defense Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., and PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Arthur Cordura.
The mission underscored the country’s commitment to providing timely humanitarian assistance and promoting regional cooperation through unified, inter-agency collaboration.