SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – To enhance the welfare of informal sector workers in western Pangasinan, the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC)-Regional Extension Unit 1 conducted an orientation on the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) during the learning session activity held at the El Jardine Restaurant in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The initiative was organized recently by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Regional Office 1 and its Field Office in Alaminos City.
It aimed to empower informal sector workers with knowledge of government interventions towards uplifting the quality of life of vulnerable and marginalized workers.
It also emphasized the significance of the informal sector in nation-building.
During the event, ECC Regional Information Officer Dexter Dupagan emphasized the importance of understanding the EC program and its applicability to informal sector workers.
At least 50 participants were acquainted with the program’s key components through interactive sessions and informative presentations, including the coverage, benefits, and the claim process in work-related sickness, injuries, disability, or death.
“Since the creation of the ECC in 1975, the EC program has been limited only to workers in the formal economy, so we have expanded the coverage of the program to the informal sector or self-employed workers effectively on September 2020 as they are part of our workforce,” Dupagan said.
To be covered under the EC Program, self-employed workers shall register for Social Security System (SSS) membership at the nearest SSS branch.
Their coverage under the EC Program will start as soon as they pay their first EC contribution.
The amount of EC contribution they will pay will depend on the corresponding monthly salary credit of the earnings they will declare at the time of registration.
Self-employed members will pay P10 per month if they have a monthly salary credit (MSC) of P14,500 or below, and P30 per month if they have a MSC of P15,000 and above.
A self-employed member of the SSS will receive loss of income benefits, medical benefits, carer’s allowance, and rehabilitation services, in the event of work-related sickness or injuries.
In the event of death due to a work-related cause, their beneficiaries are entitled to monthly pensions and a funeral benefit.
Self-employed members may also avail of simultaneous benefits under the EC program and the SSS for the same contingency, provided they are qualified to get the benefits under each program.
Anthony Magcuro, one of the attendees, said “Thank you DOLE as well as ECC for a very fruitful discussion. It was very relevant both for the private and public sector employees.”
Emerson Pacora said “Marami hindi nakakaalam nito. I-share natin.” (A lot of people don’t know this. Let’s share.)
The orientation on the EC program marked a crucial step towards promoting social justice and inclusivity in the region’s labor landscape.
The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between policy frameworks and the grassroots level by equipping informal sector workers with knowledge about their rights and benefits.
The continued dialogue will be essential to ensure that the principles of fairness and dignity extend to all workers, regardless of their employment status. (JCR/AMB/PIA Region 1)
