Quezon city: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) announced that it has provided PHP6.9 million in cash incentives to members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) and Philippine Air Force personnel. These individuals were deployed to Myanmar in response to a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the country on March 28.

According to Philippines News Agency, 138 members of the contingent received PHP50,000 each during a ceremonial turnover held on July 4 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. The PIAHC team, which includes representatives from the Office of Civil Defense, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Emergency Response Team, and the Department of Health, was dispatched to Myanmar on April 1.

The team played a crucial role in providing medical and logistical support following the disaster, which led to 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. They also conducted search-and-rescue operations in coordination with local authorities.

PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco expressed admiration for the responders, stating, "We honor not just your bravery, but the compassion that defines Filipino humanitarian missions. 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."

Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, the Contingent Commander, acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, mentioning the physically demanding environment and the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of the disaster. He remarked, "This support from PAGCOR is a strong message that the efforts of Filipino humanitarian responders are valued and recognized."

PAGCOR was also honored with a plaque of appreciation from the Department of National Defense for its support of foreign humanitarian deployments. PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Security Raul Villanueva accepted the plaque on behalf of Tengco.