MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent (PIAHC) is set to return to the country on Sunday night, April 13, after completing its mission in Myanmar in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck the country late last month.

The 89-member team, composed of personnel from multiple government agencies and private sector partners, will be welcomed in a formal ceremony at Villamor Air Base.

Earlier this week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., extended his congratulations to the contingent for their “outstanding work” in Myanmar.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno, who will lead the welcome reception, also joined the send-off rites on April 1.

“I honor your courage and compassion to serve. As a Filipino, I am immensely proud of each of you for being ready to help our neighbors in their time of need,” Nepomuceno said.

The PIAHC contingent is composed of representatives from the Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Department of Health – Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Emergency Response Team, Energy Development Corporation, and Apex Mining Co., Inc.

Lt. Erwen Diploma, the PIAHC Contingent Commander, expressed his appreciation for the recognition they received.

“With deep gratitude, I humbly receive the message of appreciation from the President and the Secretary of National Defense. It is a great honor for me as the Contingent Commander and my team to serve in the name of our country. I will proudly convey this message to every member of the PIAHC team, whose dedication and hard work made this possible. Maraming salamat po Sir. Mabuhay tayong lahat,” he said.

As of April 12, all field operations have been concluded. The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team completed its activities in Nay Pyi Taw, while the PEMAT team conducted final rounds of medical consultations and handed over essential supplies to the Myanmar Ministry of Health.

A send-off assembly was held on April 12 to recognize the team’s performance. Philippine Embassy Charge d’Affaires Angelito Nayan commended their efforts, emphasizing the importance of their mission during a time of crisis.

Meanwhile, logistical arrangements for the contingent’s return have been finalized, with all personnel set to board a C-130 aircraft for their flight home. The operation is part of the ASEAN-led “One ASEAN, One Response” initiative, promoting regional solidarity in disaster response.

In addition to the personnel deployment, the OCD also facilitated the delivery of 19,458 lbs (8,844.63 kgs) of humanitarian cargo—including hygiene kits and tarpaulin sheets—donated by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The relief goods were transported to Myanmar on April 12 and 13 via military aircraft.

The assistance follows the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, prompting immediate international humanitarian response.

The Philippine government lauded the PIAHC’s commitment and professionalism throughout the mission, praising their contribution to regional humanitarian efforts.