Burma Rescue

Myanmar thanks PGMA for sending relief goods, medical team in wake of devastating cyclone

YANGON, Myanmar – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Humanitarian Task Force, and the Tripartite Core Group (TCG) led by ASEAN Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan have expressed deep appreciation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for dispatching immediately a 30-man medical team and relief goods to Myanmar following the cyclone that devastated this country last May.

"We are very proud of the Philippine participation in this humanitarian effort, not only as a fellow member of the ASEAN but also as a close bilateral partner of Myanmar," Pitsuwan said in a statement during the 100th day of formation of the TCG last Sept. 6.

The medical mission, composed of four general surgeons, four pediatricians, three internists, six nurses, four psychosocial experts, four surveillance officers, two water and sanitation engineers, two emergency medical technologists and one public health official, was the first group to arrive in Myanmar after military rulers agreed to grant foreign access as the country grappled with its worst humanitarian crisis in years.

ASEAN journalists, including this writer, were invited to visit a "model village"—the Seik Gyi Village in Kungyangon Township in the Irrawaddy Delta to observe the progress of the Community-based Early Recovery Pilot Project.

"Almost immediately after the cyclone hit May 2 and 3, the Philippines was there to extend a helping hand to Myanmar," the ASEAN secretary-general said.

He also expressed elation over the Philippine participation in the United Nations-ASEAN Pledging Conference hosted by the Myanmar government. The Philippine delegation was headed by Sen. Richard Gordon, who is also concurrent chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC).

The Philippines joined 50 other countries and 22 international organizations in committing financial, material and other forms of support to Myanmar in the wake of the cyclone.

The Philippine government offered a cash donation of $100,000, and $5,000 from the PNRC for the rehabilitation and relief efforts in Myanmar.

The Filipino community in Yangon led by Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Noel Cabrera was also cited for their efforts to collect and distribute relief goods to the victims.

During the send-off of the medical mission last May 26, the President said: "Labis-labis ang ating pagkabahala sa kaabag-habag na krisis sa Myanmar na dala ng malakas na cyclone. "

She said the Philippine government knows by heart the tragedy that such calamities bring, as well as the kindness shown by the international community and private individuals in the effort to uplift the spirit of the people in the affected area.

She said as a neighbor and a fellow ASEAN member, the Philippines wants to get involved in the relief, rescue and rehabilitation of Myanmar.

Ambassador Cabrera said the Philippine flag waved proudly over Laputta, a refugee camp in the battered Irrawaddy delta, the only flag allowed to be raised in reclusive Myanmar, in appreciation for the medical team.

Unlike the Philippines which is familiar with typhoons, Myanmar was caught flatfooted by the ferocious storm which lashed the country with 120-mile per hour winds.

The storm death toll has reached 85,000, but the figure is expected to exceed 100,000 as some 50,000 people are still missing.