The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), together with the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), recently presented the preliminary findings regarding the compensability of mental health disorders under the Employees’ Compensation Program during the forum held at Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Ermita, Manila.

Experts, scholars, members of the civil societies, employers’ groups and government agencies were also invited to discuss the study entitled “Mental Health at Work: Exploring Compensability of Work-related Mental Health Conditions.”

ECC Executive Director Kaima Via B. Velasquez, in her welcome message, emphasized the importance of mental health in the workplace as it affects how we think, feel, or act and how it shapes our relationships and ability to contribute to society. She also mentioned that despite its significance, mental health continues to be overlooked and underserved.

The forum began with the introduction of Mental Health Law in the Philippines, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Policies and Orders and the current mental health condition of workers.

Dr. Yuka Ujita, ILO Occupational Safety and Health Specialist, said that twelve (12) billion working days are lost every year due to depression and anxiety and that 15% of working-age adults were estimated to have mental disorders in 2019. In the Philippines, the Department of Health reported in 2023 that 3 out of 10 Filipinos are battling with mental health conditions.

Despite the policies released by DOLE as discussed by Dr. Reynold M. Sta. Ana of the Occupational Safety and Health Sector, they are still formulating additional training for mental health awareness in the workplace giving emphasis to the sanctions attached thereto.

As to the inclusion of mental health disorders as a compensable contingency under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP), Francheska Rose S. Castillo of the ILS, presented the ILS study and recommended the establishment of parameters or determinants of work-related mental health conditions.

The EC Program includes catering to mental health conditions of workers who suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder. That is, the worker’s mental health condition was triggered by work-related sickness or disability.

However, a mental health condition which arises from an employee’s working environment triggered by social factors alone is a different matter. The ILS has determined that work-related stress can happen when there is a conflict between job demands on the employee and the amount of control an employee has over meeting these demands.

The afternoon session includes a workshop to better understand the work-relatedness of mental health conditions. It aims to gather more information from stakeholders and provide a venue for policy discussion with relevant agencies to discuss how to cover work-related mental illness and its inclusion in the list of compensable contingencies.

There is still a dearth of information on the determinants of mental disorder arising from work-related causes resulting in challenges in providing appropriate support mechanisms and compensation packages. Nevertheless, Executive Director Jeanette T. Damo from ILS ensures continued study on the compensability of work-related mental health conditions. She vowed to provide a more concise evaluation on the matter and a more direct approach to prevent, protect and support mental health at work.

“This forum is a testament to our commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of openness and support. Together, we will explore the multifaceted nature of mental health, share experiences and identify solutions moving forward,” added Director Velasquez.

 

E. De Guzman – CO