DSWD’s psychological first aid team arrives in earthquake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to evacuate residents trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building ‘Sky Villa Condominium development’ in Mandalay on March 30, 2025. (Photo by Sai Aung MAIN / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWD) is providing psychological first aid to the people of earthquake-hit Myanmar.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Irene Dumlao, in a statement on Saturday, said the department’s eight-member team has arrived on Friday in Yangon, the country’s largest city.

READ: Scientists explain why Myanmar quake was so deadly

The group includes seven social welfare officers and one psychologist.

They are Imee Rose Castillo, Rizaline Sta. Ines, Nolibelyn Macabagdal, Joseph Salavarria, Clenson Tibangay, Hidie Mendoza, Christina Tatoy and Karen Arvie Gabriel.

The DSWD said the team is undergoing orientation “to ensure smooth coordination and to guarantee the effective delivery of services once fully deployed.”

The department also gave P10,000 worth of cash assistance to the families of the affected overseas Filipino workers Myanmar.

“We are also conducting assessments to determine the need for further medical assistance for family members who depended on the deceased OFWs for their needs,” Dumlao noted.

READ: DFA confirms second fatality from Myanmar quake

The Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent Urban Search and Rescue Team is also deployed in Myanmar to help in the search and rescue operations.

The contingent includes the Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team which treats almost 100 patients a day, according to the Department of Health.

A magnitude 7.7 earthquake jolted northwest of Sagaing City in Myanmar on March 28.

It was followed by a magnitude 6.4 tremor that shook the same area after a few minutes.