The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) said it gave P6.9 million in cash incentives to members of the Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) and Philippine Air Force personnel who were deployed to Myanmar following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that hit the country last March 28.

In a statement Monday, PAGCOR said 138 received PHP50,000 each during a ceremonial turnover on July 4 at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The PIAHC team 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 sent to Myanmar last April 1.

The team provided medical and logistical support in the aftermath of the disaster, which 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, where they treated 1,056 patients with various medical conditions.

Search-and-rescue operations were also conducted in coordination with local authorities.

“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," PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco said.

Lt. Col. Erwen Diploma, Contingent Commander, acknowledged the challenges faced by the team, citing the physically demanding environment and the emotional toll of witnessing the aftermath of the disaster.

“This support from PAGCOR is a strong message that the efforts of Filipino humanitarian responders are valued and recognized,” Diploma said.

PAGCOR, in turn, received a plaque of appreciation from the Department of National Defense for its support to foreign humanitarian deployments.

PAGCOR Senior Vice President for Security Raul Villanueva received the plaque on Tengco's behalf.

PAGCOR PHOTO