Philanthropy

Fault Lines of Hope: Stories of Survival and Resilience After the Rupture

Like any ordinary Friday, it began quietly—until 28 March 2025 became the day we would never forget. I thought I was dizzy as I stood by the sink making an afternoon coffee—until the building swayed violently. Everyone dropped to the floor. I gripped the sink tightly as stronger tremors followed. On the ninth floor of Vantage Tower—designed to simultaneously withstand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake and wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour—the quake still felt brutal. I feared for those outside, in weaker buildings.

We had been warned that a major earthquake was coming to Myanmar. As the building shook beneath us, that warning became a reality. And all I could think was: This is it.

After the shaking stopped, we evacuated with the help of our Emergency Wardens and Assistant Wardens, who guided us through the process. Our office remained closed for inspection; only minor cracks were found. But the real fractures were within—shaken bodies, disoriented minds. We returned to work on Monday, still grappling with a haunting sense of vulnerability.

As I tried to process what had happened, I soon realized our experience was just a fragment of the disaster. Outside, the world had changed.

A Nation in Turmoil

On 28 March 2025, Myanmar was struck with a magnitude of 7.7 earthquake—one of the most powerful in the country’s recorded history. The epicenter was located in central Myanmar, devastating state capitals and nearby towns. Aftershocks continued for days, even months. Roads and bridges collapsed, and rolling blackouts caused widespread power outages in major cities.

Nearly 400,000 matriculation exam booklets were lost in fires at Mandalay University, resulting in a re-sit for approximately 60,000 students. The hardest-hit areas—home to the Burmese Buddhist majority—also hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. On March 31, the government declared six days of national mourning.

By May 2025, government reports indicated a death toll approaching 4,000. The destruction was immense—homes, hospitals, schools, monasteries, businesses, and shops were reduced to rubble. The world responded quickly. More than 2,095 emergency personnel from 26 countries arrived, bringing over 2,635 tonnes of relief supplies and 1,197 tonnes of rescue equipment. Donations poured into the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) Fund. A one-month memorial was held on 28 April, during which alms were offered to the Sangha in honor of those lost.

While I stayed informed through the news, my colleagues were on the ground—witnessing the devastation, assisting survivors, and supporting relief efforts. They became the faces of resilience in the darkest hours of our nation’s history. Their selflessness and empathy—caring for their fellow countrymen and women—became a beacon of hope within our Group of Companies and the broader society.

Faces of the Frontline: Stories from the Ground

At MPRL E&P Group of Companies, 18 staff members mobilized as part of the Earthquake Relief Team, stepping away from their regular duties to become among the first responders in the crisis zones. One of the hardest-hit areas was the nation’s capital, and our team was on the ground within hours of the earthquake striking on 28 March 2025.

U Nay Myo Aung, the HSE Manager at MPRL E&P, was one of the key figures ensuring safe transport of critical supplies to Nay Pyi Taw.

“To ensure road safety for both passengers and supply vehicles, we worked with our transportation teams to assess damaged routes and identify alternate highways to avoid delays. When box trucks were restricted, we negotiated with authorities at the 0-mile toll gate, and secured special approval by explaining the emergency nature of our mission. I’m proud of how our team adapted to the situation, following management’s guidance while responding with professionalism and empathy.”

Dr. Kyaw Ye Htut from the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Department was also among the first responders to reach Nay Pyi Taw.

“Our mobile clinics treated everything from fractures and lacerations to untreated wounds,” he recalled. “But we also encountered a quieter crisis—patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension who had lost access to their medications. We had to get essential drugs to them quickly.”

“Beyond physical injuries, many people were battling stress and exhaustion. We provided not just medical care, but also reassurance—to ease those invisible wounds.”

U Thet Lwin Ohn from the Material & Logistics Team managed supply deliveries under extreme conditions.

“Timeliness was crucial—orders placed in the morning had to be delivered by evening. We rerouted supplies via the old Yangon–Mandalay Road, ensuring life-saving supplies reached those in need. We also oversaw the safe transport and official handover of Modular Units to MOGE officials after successful installation and testing of essential amenities like air conditioners, toilets, wash basins, and water heaters.”

U Kyaw Thu Lin, Deputy Administrative Manager at Myint & Associates Construction Co., Ltd., joined the Earthquake Relief Team stationed in Nay Pyi Taw on 30 March 2025.

“We arrived with essential supplies—mobile toilets, fiber tanks, a generator, and diesel. The next day, we began setting up temporary camps for Ministry of Energy staff. Given the widespread damage, many local construction shops were closed, and we struggled to hire machinery or labor for land leveling. We eventually secured a tractor, which helped for three days. The rest of the team pitched in, manually transporting bricks, sand, and rocks.”

“One moment that stood out to me was when an elderly female survivor approached us with cool water and heartfelt thanks as we worked in the heat. It was a simple gesture, but it reminded me of why our mission mattered. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support those in need.”

Naw May Pale Htoo, CSR Officer, was also on the ground as part of the Earthquake Relief Team.

“Setting up mobile clinics and distributing supplies quickly became routine,” she shared. “Everywhere we went, I overheard heart-wrenching stories of grief. As we drove around delivering water and medical assistance, the air was thick with the stench of collapsed buildings—an unrelenting reminder of the devastation. One moment that struck me was when I met a woman about my age who hadn’t eaten since the earthquake. Her hands trembled from shock and exhaustion; she couldn’t even open the water bottle we gave her. We had to help her drink. The fear was palpable. Twice, we had to evacuate buildings during aftershocks.”

U Htay Zaw, a Senior Driver with Myint & Associates Co., Ltd., witnessed humanity’s quiet courage in the aftermath of the disaster.

“What we encountered was devastating. Many government staff had lost their homes, some had lost family members, and no emergency assistance had yet reached them. As we drove through every corner of the city, distributing bottled water, some people spoke of the ten spiritual merits of offering water. Others said it was the first time since the earthquake they had drunk fully. One family had no water to offer the monks during a mourning ceremony. When we delivered water, they were finally able to complete their act of merit. These moments will stay with me forever.”

Daw Wit Hmone Tin Latt, Head of Corporate Sustainability at MPRL E&P, led the Earthquake Relief Team in the wake of the disaster, guiding efforts on the ground and demonstrating the true power of community involvement.

“We usually donate from afar, but this time, we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with survivors. We launched mobile clinics, distributed supplies, and offered reassurances—not just employees, but as active responders. The warm welcome and trust from senior government officials and the communities we served reinforced the value of being physically present, not just offering support from a distance.”

“Our daily schedules were grueling, from sunrise to sunset. We didn’t even realize how twelve days passed—each moment absorbed by the urgency of our work.”

But even as the team pushed through, the psychological toll became evident. Once they returned to Yangon, many of the relief team members, including herself, struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“It’s important to recognize the toll on our mental health. We were physically exhausted but also deeply shaken. The memories of the devastation, the aftershocks, and the haunting cries stayed with us long after we left the disaster zone,” Daw Wit Hmone Tin Latt continued.

“It’s crucial to resume our normal lives, but it’s equally important to remain aware of ourselves and our emotional well-being. Healing isn’t just physical; it’s about confronting and processing what we have witnessed.”

MPRL E&P Group of Companies’ Contributions to Disaster Relief and Recovery

In addition to deploying an 18-member relief team as first responders, focusing on the safety and welfare of the Ministry of Energy (MoE) staff and affected communities, MPRL E&P Group of Companies donated more than MMK 330 million (MMK 3,300 lakh) directly to the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) and respective ministries to support rescue and recovery efforts.

The Group took swift action to support the continued education of Ministry of Energy staff’s children amid recent challenges. A fund of MMK 60 million was raised through voluntary contributions from both national and expatriate staff to provide cash assistance for the educational needs of more than 5,000 children—from Kindergarten to Grade 12—for the 2025-2026 Academic Year.

To support long-term recovery, MPRL E&P established a University Scholarship Fund, with a generous contribution of US$ 25,000 from CEO U Moe Myint and his family. This fund will provide scholarships to children of MoE staff pursuing higher education in fields such as Petroleum Engineering and Geology. This initiative aligns with the MoE’s Human Resource Development Program and underscores MPRL E&P’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals for Myanmar’s oil and gas sector.

These efforts reflect MPRL E&P’s broader commitment to both immediate relief and sustainable recovery.

From Ruins to Resolve: A Call for Compassion, Preparedness and Progress

The earthquake revealed both the fragility of our systems and the fierce resilience of our people. Amid the chaos, local rescue teams—under-resourced and overwhelmed—worked tirelessly in unimaginably difficult conditions. Their struggles, and the stories of survivors and the grieving, serve as poignant reminders: disaster spares no one, and its aftermath leaves scars both seen and unseen.

These deeply human stories—of a woman waiting days at the rubble of her home, or survivors signaling for help through debris—underscore how quickly sanctuaries like homes and offices can become death traps. They compel us not only to mourn what was lost, but also to commit ourselves to change. Behind every rescue that came too late was a gap in preparedness that we can no longer afford to ignore.

The international community’s swift response—amplified by global media and digital outreach—brought vital aid, but also highlighted structural weaknesses in Myanmar’s disaster response framework. We must do more than react. We must build systems that anticipate, that protect and empower communities long before disaster strikes.

Myanmar faces layered challenges: recurring natural disasters that strain already limited emergency resources; political unrest that fragments national focus and coordination; underdeveloped infrastructure that hinders relief delivery and long-term recovery; and governance issues that complicate accountability and sustained reform. Each of these factors was magnified in the wake of the earthquake, underscoring the urgent need for systemic resilience and inclusive planning.

Yet within these challenges lies the opportunity to transform. By embracing transparency, sustainability and international cooperation, Myanmar can not only rebuild, but reimagine its future rooted in resilience, equity and ethical progress.

Resilience, Reflection, and the Search for True Peace

As the dust begins to settle, Myanmar stands not only among debris but at a deeper crossroads—between reconstruction and reckoning.

The earthquake shattered more than buildings. It shattered illusions—of permanence, of control, of safety. These events force us to look inward as much as outward—to question not only how we rebuild infrastructure, but how we rebuild the way we live, lead and care for one another.

The impermanence laid bare by this disaster reflects a reality we often try to ignore: that all things—homes, lives, even nations—are subject to change and loss. The Buddha teaches that true peace does not lie in material security or worldly comfort, for these are fleeting. Peace arises only when we turn inward, quiet the cravings of the mind, and begin to understand the nature of suffering.

Disasters like this earthquake are not punishments, but reminders—universal signals that transcend beliefs and borders, urging all of us, regardless of faith or worldview, to reflect on what truly matters and how we live in relation to one another and the world around us. They shake not only the ground beneath us, but the illusions we cling to. They invite us to wake up—to see clearly, to care more deeply, and to live with intention.

Myanmar’s path forward will require both action and introspection. Rebuilding infrastructure will be essential, but so is rebuilding our inner foundations—cultivating compassion, clarity and mindfulness. In the midst of Saṃsāra’s constant upheaval, it is only through the practice of the Noble Eightfold Path that we find enduring peace—liberation from transmigration itself. A peace not shaken by earthquakes, nor lost to time.

From rubble, hope rises. And from suffering, wisdom.

Novitiation (Shinpyu) Ceremony in Mann Field

MPRL E&P’s Novitiation (Shinpyu) Ceremony Report

Corporate philanthropy plays a crucial role in sustaining community traditions during times of economic and social hardships for several reasons.

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Many community traditions are deeply rooted in culture and heritage. During challenging times, such as economic downturns or social unrest, communities may struggle to maintain these traditions due to lack of resources or support. Corporate philanthropy can provide the necessary funding and resources to preserve and promote cultural heritage, ensuring that traditions are passed down to future generations.

Promotion of Social Cohesion

Community traditions play a vital role in fostering social cohesion and unity. During times of crisis, maintaining these traditions can help bring people together, strengthen community bonds, and provide a sense of belonging and identity. Corporate philanthropy that supports community events, festivals, or cultural programs can contribute to social cohesion by providing opportunities for people to come together and celebrate their shared heritage.

Long-Term Sustainability

Investing in community traditions through corporate philanthropy contributes to the long-term sustainability of both the traditions themselves and the communities that practice them. By providing financial support, resources, and expertise, businesses can help ensure that cultural traditions continue to thrive, even in the face of economic and social challenges. This long-term investment in community sustainability benefits both the company and the broader society.

In a nutshell, by sustaining cultural heritage, providing assistance to vulnerable communities, promoting social cohesion, enhancing corporate reputation, and contributing to long-term sustainability, companies can make a meaningful difference in preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of human culture.

Tradition Brings Harmony: MPRL E&P’s Novitiation (Shinpyu) Ceremony Enriching Mann Field Communities

MPRL E&P, the sole independent upstream energy company led by Myanmar nationals operating both onshore and offshore in Myanmar, has been an unwavering presence in Mann Field for 28 years. The company steadfastly regards the Mann Field Communities as primary stakeholders, consistently fostering development and socio-economic progress.

As a leading oil and gas company in Myanmar, MPRL E&P plays a key role in preserving Myanmar’s cultural traditions, particularly in Mann Field, home to the majority of Buddhist Myanmar people who diligently uphold traditional practices. The company and its staff actively support social and cultural events, emphasizing their commitment to Mann Field’s holistic development and well-being.

During the 2024 school summer holidays, MPRL E&P’s CSR Program organized a Novitiation (Shinpyu) Ceremony for families in need among the 10,000-plus residents of Mann Field. This provided them with an opportunity to pass on religious traditions to their cherished sons. The Shinpyu is a cornerstone of Burmese Theravada Buddhism tradition, signifying a boy’s novice monastic ordination before he turns 20. This rite of passage, one among the twelve auspicious rites in Burmese culture, reflects a key parental duty – introducing their sons to the spiritual legacy of Gautama Buddha by joining the Sangha. Although the duration may vary, the initiation provides the novices a deep dive into Buddha’s teachings, the Dhamma, either as a fleeting encounter or as a lifelong journey.

Daw Wit Hmone Tin Latt, Head of Corporate Sustainability at MPRL E&P, spearheading and overseeing CSR activities, explained the purpose of the ceremony. “With the goal of perpetuating a cherished Myanmar tradition and recognizing the challenges faced by the less fortunate families in Mann Field in fulfilling this solemn obligation, MPRL E&P’s CSR Program took the initiative to organize and host the Novitiation Ceremony in March 2024 in collaboration with Village Administrations and Village Development Committees. The planning commenced in July 2023, involving monthly preliminary consultations to ensure a well-coordinated and meaningful event. The ceremony was demonstrated through a community-wide celebration, epitomizing communal unity and shared spiritual values, cementing the tradition’s significance in Burmese culture.”

On 07 March 2024, MPRL E&P hosted a Novitiation Ceremony for the Mann Field Communities at the Auk Kyaung Pagoda in Auk Kyaung Village, Mann Field. Notably, this Pagoda has received significant support and donations from the Chairman & CEO of MPRL E&P Group of Companies and his family, as well as from Field Operations Team members.

U Saw Eh Hsar Blute Htoo, a Senior CSR Officer from the CSR & Communications Department and the organizer of the ceremony, emphasized the active involvement of all staff members in the essential preparations. “As members of the CSR & Communications Team, we actively promoted the involvement of all staff members in the essential preparations for the ordination ceremony. We encouraged contributions such as donating robes and arranging meals for the novices throughout the week. Thanks to the collective efforts, we successfully dispatched the donated items on time,” he said, expressing his joy. “This made the ceremony more complete, and it was a blessing that embraced both the company and its dedicated staff members.”

The event unfolded with the support of the CSR Program and the generous contributions from the staff members of the MPRL E&P and Myint & Associates (Mann Field Project) donating offertories to the Principal Sayardaw of Auk Kyaung Monastery. Twenty-seven esteemed members of the Sangha from the 14 monasteries in the neighboring villages of Mann Field received a sum of MMK 2,700,000 and offertories including robes and meals (Soon). Subsequently, the Principal Sayardaw of Auk Kyaung Monastery, Bhaddanta Sandavara, conferred novicehood upon the young boys.

The ceremony witnessed the nomination of a total of 71 young boys from 14 surrounding villages in Mann Field to become novice monks. These novices will spend seven days a week and an extended duration as they wish in the monasteries of their respective villages, as per the planned arrangement. The CSR Program, along with contributions from staff family members, provided support for the novices’ food expenses for the entire seven-day period. The ceremony incurred a total cost of MMK 30,669,150, which included MMK 13,000,000 contributed by the staff family members of MPRL E&P and Myint & Associates (Mann Field Project).

The Village Administrator of U Kyaw Soe, who took the lead in the preparation and catering of the donated meals, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are truly grateful to MPRL E&P (CSR Program) for organizing and leading this initiative to hold such a solemn ceremony in our community. It is also heartening to see everyone organizing and participating harmoniously. We are particularly delighted for our Maung-Shin-Laung (young boys) who have not yet been ordained. Also, we are pleased to have organized 31 members for the culinary and reception team. As a village resident, I am proud and elated that this event took place at the Auk Kyaung Pagoda, and that we were able to arrange food and reception in an orderly manner, resulting in a great success.”

During the MPRL E&P’s Novitiation Ceremony, a total of over 2,700 attendees honored the community tradition of ‘Pwal Yoe,’ which showcased a diverse array of traditional dishes, including fried pounded dried fish, pickled bean sprout salad, fried red chillis and chickpea soup.

“My twin sons have recently turned 13 years old, marking a significant milestone in their lives. As we fulfill our parental duties and guide them along the path to becoming novices, we are profoundly grateful for the support extended by the company during this auspicious moment. For individuals like us facing financial challenges, the emotions that arise from witnessing my sons as two Maung-Shin-Laung are truly beyond words. May MPRL E&P continue to thrive and achieve even greater success,” expressed Daw Ei Ei Hlaing, a mother of twin brothers from Lay Eain Tan Village, who is proud of her sons’ novitiation.

MPRL E&P consistently demonstrates a sense of familial connection with the Mann Field Communities, actively contributing to the socio-economic development alongside its corporate growth. The Novitiation Ceremony, wherein the cherished gems of the Mann Field Communities are acknowledged as novices, represents a collaborative endeavor aimed at preserving a revered tradition among the Buddhist Myanmar people, reflecting MPRL E&P’s benevolence towards the local community. The successful execution of the Novitiation Ceremony stands as evidence of the fruitful collaboration between the company and the communities, symbolizing the establishment of a robust community that MPRL E&P is fostering in Mann Field.

The Dawn is Never Far Away: Aftermath of Cyclone Komen

Volunteering – A culture that exists within employees at MPRL E&P.

MPRL E&P, which operates the well-known Mann field in Minbu Township, embarked upon its first emergency relief effort by doing a rapid needs assessment which would help the company measure the damage caused and identify who were affected and their immediate needs at the onset of a natural disaster involving people as having access to accurate and timely information is crucial for effective disaster response, in eight locations of Minbu Township, including the four emergency camps pitched in the Mann field area, where around 2781 people were residing currently.

Daw Zin Mar Myint who was on the ground as one of MPRL E&P’s CSR Field Team conducting the assessment said, “We were in Ywar Thar Village in Mann Field. A total of 180 households were evacuated and the village was under water. Our assessment told us the community needed clean water and mosquito nets as priorities.” Her description resonated with Daw Than Than Maw who explained how high waters from the Ayeyarwady river had washed away her tomato plantation and she was relocated to Nyaung Zin Relief Camp where the situation was so desperate that she even had difficulty getting drinking water.

At MPRL E&P, inside of a few days, a disaster management committee was set up to effectively address response and recovery needs of the affected communities following the rapid need assessment by reflecting natural disaster management principles in the best possible way. As a result, two humanitarian responses were completed in Magwe Region as part of the community investment initiatives by the company. Meanwhile, MPRL E&P Group of Companies’ employees contributed cash assistance of MMK 3,420,000 for 114 MOGE and MPRL E&P personnel affected by the floods. In addition, 2051 hours of volunteer service were provided by 115 employees, exceeding the target set by the Corporate Social Responsibility and Communications Department in order to encourage the employees’ engagement with the community. In total, MPRL E&P Group of Companies as a whole contributed MMK 756,508,045 by end of August to the Myanmar Floods 2015.

George S. Patton Jr. says ‘I don’t measure a man’s success by how high he climbs but how high he bounces when he hits bottom.’ Similarly, it will not be about how much trouble we are in. Rather, it will be about how highly and quickly we pull through from this adversity through the golden virtues of resilience, patience, leadership and spirit of cooperation and harmony, starting with what we have, not with what we lack, while still being aware of what needs to be learnt at national levels.

Power of Sports to Change Lives and Strengthen Communities

Improving opportunities for young Myanmar nationals to develop new skills, techniques, and mental strength to compete in sailing regattas nationally and world-wide. MPRL E&P’s commitment as a main sponsor has led to hosting the 27^th SEA Games and winning gold – a representation of commitment, handwork, and resilience from the Myanmar sailing team.

The MPRL E&P Group of Companies supports and sponsors the Myanmar Yachting Federation (MYF), the Yangon Sailing Club, and the Optimist Dinghy Association of Myanmar. . The purpose of the sponsorship is to encourage Myanmar young people to participate in the sailing sport. For the past twenty years, the Group of Companies has been the sole sponsor of the sailing sport in the country. Athletes are chosen by the Myanmar Yachting Federation Committee based on their physical and mental skills, strengths and weaknesses.

Sponsorship to the Myanmar Yachting Federation, Yangon Sailing Club and Myanmar sailing activities amounted to US$3.71 million and MMK 18,707 million.

MPRL E&P’s Employees Try to Pay Back to the Society

As there is a re-emerging trend of citizen engagement in the community in Myanmar in its new era of rebuilding, various groups dedicated to causes such as human rights, charity, and environment have attracted attention regarding their capability and willingness to donate their time and skills to help others.

As there is a re-emerging trend of citizen engagement in the community in Myanmar in its new era of rebuilding, various groups dedicated to various causes such as human rights, charity, and environment are getting more and more public attention regarding their capability to fulfill what is fallen short by government and business sectors.

Meanwhile, that based on the monthly contributions, prosocial individuals from MPRL E&P Group of Companies organize fund raising drives and donate to causes such as education, HIV/AIDS and youth development, as well as religious functions has caught Insight!’s attention lately.

Say Ta Nar Shin, which is the name of the group, meaning a kind of mental quality –goodwill and kindness towards fellow human beings in association with moral roots, is composed of the ordinary staff members.

U Yan Aung, Senior Driver, who serves to collect cash and arrange donations, said that he was aware of the trend and felt inspired to kick off with a group within his and his friends’ own capacity.

Their dream was realized for the first time on 6 October 2013, inasmuch as the group donated K 255,000 to the Free Funeral Service Society in Yangon. Since then, the donations have materialized eight times through the help of about 180 members.

Ma Shwe Mar, CSR Assistant at MPRL E&P’s CSR Department, in participating in the latest donation activity at a Buddhist Sister School called Wi Thar Khar, recalled how it has happened to her and how she felt about it.

“I learned that there was a donation group called Say Ta Nar Shin when I was conducting a sustainability section in my work. Me and my team had just won USD 100 in our company’s 25th Anniversary Party’s talent competition and we decided to donate our prize money to the group. We went to Wi Thar Khar with the Say Ta Nar Shin’s members and I felt so sorry when the children there said ‘thank you’ to us.”

The group has no formal structure, nor a treasury body. U Yan Aung explained that he collects cash from the members at the end of each month and the collected are donated once and for all when a certain amount is reached.

When asked as regards the future for the group, U Yan Aung voiced some ideas.

“I have some sort of notion that it would be great if some of our donors-cum-staffs who know how to talk encouraging and educative words to our recipient children, for instance, the ones from Linn Lat Kyal Youth Education Network in Latputta District in Ayeyarwady Division who were orphaned when their parents were killed in 2008 Nargis, the worst Cyclone in the country’s history, can accompany our donation trips. Another thing is the limitation of fund sources; our company has a staff body of 400 or so and if three fourth of it wrote a cheque to us, we would be able to double our capacity to contribute towards the society whose stark deprivations I witness first hand.”