Philippines readies P5.7 million for Pinoys in quake-hit Myanmar

The Philippine government is preparing at least $100,000 (roughly P5.7 million) in financial assistance for Filipinos affected by the deadly earthquake in Myanmar, focusing on the roughly 150 Filipinos in Mandalay near the quake's epicenter.

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A massive 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar on March 28, devastating Mandalay, the country's second-largest city, the capital Naypyitaw, and parts of Sagaing Region and southern Shan State.

The death toll has climbed to 1,700, with over 3,400 injured and more than 300 missing as of Sunday, according to Myanmar's military junta. Independent sources cited in a Myanmar Now report suggest casualties may be much higher, potentially reaching 10,000 deaths.

"The (Philippine) embassy is requesting the financial assistance authorization... (for) over $100,000 that will cover the expenses or the needs of our countrymen," Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said during a press conference on Monday, March 31.