President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent off a 30-man medical mission to Myanmar to augment its government’s search and retrieval efforts as well as to provide medical and humanitarian service after cyclone Nargis devastated the country in early May.
The President was joined in the ceremonial send-off by Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Chairman Gilbert Teodoro, Jr., Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Social Welfare and Development Sec. Esperanza Cabral, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Alexaner Yano and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Pedrito Candungog.
In her statement, the President said the sending off of a medical mission to Myanmar was part of the country’s obligation as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). She made an appeal to all countries for cooperation and brotherhood, they being part of a “community of nations.”
She also thanked the government of Myanmar for allowing the entry of foreign aid to assist the victims of the cyclone.
For his part, Dr. Arnel Rivera, leader of the Philippine medical team, said the “seasoned experts” who comprise the medical team, are veterans of the numerous relief and rescue missions conducted by the government during natural disasters hitting the country.
The medical team, composed of general surgeons, internists, infectious disease specialists, pediatricians, sanitary engineers, psycho-social interventionists and paramedics from the Department of Health (DoH), will bring P13-million worth of aid which includes medicines, water, used clothing, blankets and family food packs.
Before boarding, the crew and team were blessed by PAF Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Eustacio Galindo who prayed for their safe journey to and from Myanmar. (PIA/Bohol)
