In a proactive move towards enhancing the welfare of informal sector workers in Western Pangasinan, an orientation on the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) was conducted during the Learning Session Activity held at the El Jardine Restaurant, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The initiative was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment-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 pointed out the importance of understanding the EC program and its applicability to informal sector workers.
At least 50 participants joined the interactive sessions and informative presentations, including discussions on the EC Program coverage, benefits, and the claim process.
“Since the creation of the ECC in 1975, the EC program was 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 effective September 2020 as they are part of our workforce,†ECC Executive Director Kaima Via Velasquez said.
To be covered under the EC Program, self-employed workers shall register for 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 monthly salary credit 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 death with 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.
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 advocacy is essential to ensure that the principles of fairness and dignity extend to all workers, regardless of their employment status.
Among the government agencies that joined forces for this activity were the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC). The chairperson of the Empowered Persons with Disability of Alaminos City Consumers Cooperative also participated and shared their livelihood best practices.
D. Dupagan – REU 1