The 87-man rescue team from different agencies conducts a readiness inspection in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Feb. 7, 2023, before being deployed to Turkey. (Photo by JOHN ERIC MENDOZA / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan awarded a humanitarian medal to the Philippine government for sending a contingent to aid rescue efforts in the earthquake-stricken country, said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Saturday.
According to the NDRRMC, Maj. Sayin Erwen Diploma of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), who led the 82-person contingent, received the medal on behalf of the Philippine government in Ankara, Türkiye on April 25.
“The humanitarian medal from President Erdogan of Türkiye means a lot to the members of the Philippine contingent which include the [Office of Civil Defense]. We thank President Erdogan for this kind gesture.
“Also, we once again commend and congratulate the team led by PAF Major Diploma for the humanitarian services extended to the victims of the earthquake in Türkiye.” said Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.
In addition to the humanitarian medal, the Philippine Embassy was also given a certificate of appreciation signed by Turkish Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, said the NDRRMC.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support and solidarity shown by your People and Government upon the devastating earthquakes that occurred on 06 February 2023 with Kahramanmaraş as its epicenter, which directly affected 11 cities and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people.
“The solidarity shown to us in these difficult times has become an important source of consolation for the Turkish People and will never be forgotten. This certificate of appreciation is a token of gratitude felt by the Turkish People,” Çavuşoğlu wrote in the certificate.
The NDRRMC said that the Philippine contingent was able to assist 1,022 patients and provide a total of 11,205 blankets, 5,000 bonnets, and 420 pairs of gloves to the victims.