2023 was a year of immense hardship for Darwin Lacaden.
 
Not only did he lose his leg in a workplace accident, but he also suffered the heartbreaking loss of his wife.
 
Yet, amidst the darkness, Lacaden found a beacon of hope thanks to the Employees' Compensation Program (ECP) of the Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC).
 
This government program provides financial assistance and support to workers like Lacaden who suffer from work-related disabilities.
 
Lacaden, a former rigger man at a cement factory in Pangasinan, had his leg amputated on April 11, 2023, after an accident on the job.
 
This life-altering event left him not only physically challenged but also burdened with the responsibility of caring for his child alone.
 
However, the ECP stepped in to offer much-needed support.
 
Recently, Lacaden received a free above-knee prosthesis worth P90,000, allowing him to regain some mobility and independence.
 
“Mabilis ang kanyang pag-comply sa lahat ng mga dokumentong kailangan natin upang maproseso ang kanyang mga benepisyo kaya naging mabilis ang tugon natin. Nakita rin natin na sobrang kailangan niya ang tulong ng ating ahensiya,” explained Dr. Randy Angelo Ponciano, regional program focal officer at the ECC.
 
(He quickly complied with all the documents needed to process his benefits, so our response was quick. We also recognized his genuine need for assistance.)
 
Lacaden's gratitude shines through his words, “Masaya ako ngayon dahil may isa na akong paa. Magagawa ko na ang magtrabaho at maaalagaan ko na ng maayos ang aking anak.”
 
(I'm happy now because I have one leg again. I'll be able to work and take care of my child properly.)
 
But the ECP's assistance doesn't end there.
 
In August 2023, Lacaden received a P20,000 livelihood assistance grant, which he used to start a rice retailing business.
 
Additionally, he received a P20,550 EC sickness benefit.
 
Looking ahead, Lacaden plans to revive his late wife's street food business.
 
He expresses his appreciation for the ECP not just for the financial support, but also for the potential it holds.
 
"The business provided by the ECC is a big help because we also get our daily needs from there," he said.
 
The ECP goes beyond financial aid; it aims to empower persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) like Lacaden.
 
As lawyer Kaima Via Velasquez, ECC executive director, emphasizes, “Maaari pang tumanggap ng complimentary kit ang ating mga person with work-related disability (PWRD) kung makitang mapalago at ma-sustain nila ang negosyong ipinagkaloob ng ECC. Halagang sampung libong piso ang maaari pang matanggap bilang dagdag puhunan sa kanilang negosyo.”
 
(Our PWRDs can also receive a complimentary kit if it is seen that they can grow and sustain the business provided by the ECC. An amount of P10,000 can be received as an additional investment in their business.)
 
While the program extends a helping hand, safety remains the top priority.
 
“Kahit na may ECC, iba pa rin ang maging maingat dahil ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng ating mga manggagawa ang ating prayoridad,” Velasquez adds.
 
(Even with the ECP, others still need to be careful because the safety and health of our workers are our priority.)
 
Lacaden's story serves as a testament to the ECP's life-changing impact.
 
It's a story of resilience, hope, and the power of support in the face of adversity.
 
Despite facing immense challenges, Lacaden is rebuilding his life with newfound support and a determination to carry on, one step at a time. (JCR/AMB/PIA Region 1)