The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) demonstrates its commitment to worker well-being by providing comprehensive support to those facing life-altering work-related injuries.
This includes livelihood assistance, empowering individuals like Mr. Plamar Valbuena, 60, from Bangui, Ilocos Norte, and Mr. Ed Macanlalay, 38, from Calasiao, Pangasinan, to regain financial stability after losing limbs in workplace accidents.
They tragically faced amputation due to on-the-job accidents.
Mr. Valbuena, an electrician at the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, lost his left arm and foot due to an electrical burn on September 20, 2023.
Meanwhile, Mr. Macanlalay, a bus conductor with Dagupan Bus, lost his right arm in a vehicular accident on August 5, 2023.
Beyond receiving sickness benefits, the ECC’s program provided them with P20,000 each to launch new ventures – a rice retail business for Mr. Valbuena and a sari-sari store for Mr. Macanlalay.
These businesses offer them a path forward as they adjust to their new realities, with the possibility of further financial assistance if their ventures succeed.
This assistance comes in addition to the EC sickness benefits they previously received, amounting to P43,200 for Mr. Valbuena and P16,020 for Mr. Macanlalay.
Both are also awaiting their scheduled prosthesis fittings.
This initiative highlights ECC’s commitment to offering comprehensive support to workers affected by workplace injuries, ensuring they have the necessary resources to rebuild their lives and regain financial stability.
ECC Regional Information Officer Dexter Dupagan shared, “The livelihood assistance program is designed to empower workers with disabilities by providing them with the tools, skills, and resources needed to establish a sustainable source of income.”
“Should the beneficiaries successfully maintain their businesses, they will receive an additional ten thousand pesos as a complimentary kit,” he said.
ECC Executive Director Atty. Kaima Via Velasquez added, “Our dedication to workers extends beyond the workplace. We are committed to ensuring that those who suffer life-altering injuries receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives.”
She said, “This livelihood assistance is part of our broader effort to foster inclusive growth and provide second chances to workers in need.”
Both beneficiaries expressed their deep gratitude for the program, stating that they never expected such comprehensive government support, which has guided them from the beginning to the end of their recovery process.
The EC program also ensures long-term support, including continuous monitoring and guidance to help maintain the sustainability of livelihood projects.
This initiative not only assists workers with disabilities but also promotes a more inclusive and supportive workforce culture across industries.
The ECC remains steadfast in its mission to improve workplace safety, reduce occupational hazards, and enhance workers’ welfare through proactive initiatives.
By extending assistance to those affected by work-related accidents, the ECC reinforces its commitment to creating a safer and more inclusive work environment.
For more information on ECC programs and services, the public may contact ECC-REU1 at (072) 607 7096 or via email at [email protected] or follow its Facebook page at ECC Regional Extension Unit 1. (AMB/PIA Region 1)
