In the quiet barangay of Maasin, Passi City, a story of resilience unfolds as Mero P. Paquingan, a former motorman turned survivor, navigates the challenges of life with a mangled hand due to a workplace accident. With the support of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), Paquingan’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of assistance and rehabilitation.

On that fateful day of September 12, 2020, Paquingan, employed by EVIC Human Resources Management Inc., encountered a life-altering accident aboard a vessel. The incident resulted in disarticulation injuries of both his hands and the amputation of his fingers, leaving him facing an uncertain future.

As a government corporation dedicated to implement the Employees Compensation Program, the ECC extended its assistance to Paquingan, a person with work-related disability (PWRD), ensuring that he received the support and benefits he rightfully deserved.

Through the Return To Work Assistance Program (RTWAP), Paquingan embarked on a journey of rehabilitation. The ECC’s “RTWAP” provided Paquingan with vital vocational skills and entrepreneurial training, equipping him with the tools necessary to pursue self-employment opportunities. Paquingan availed himself of various RTWAP services, including seminars on entrepreneurship, cash assistance, and starter kits for his hog-raising business.

Furthermore, the ECC facilitated Paquingan’s physical restoration, including provision for rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the provision of rehabilitation appliances. Paquingan underwent therapy sessions and received finger prostheses, enabling him to regain functionality in his daily life.

“ECC completes me, helps me regain my confidence. Their unwavering support has not only restored my faith in myself but has also paved the way for this restart,” said Paquingan.

ECC Executive Director Kaima Via B. Velasquez said “as a quasi-judicial corporate entity, the ECC stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers across the country. We will continue to uphold our commitment not only to Paquingan but to all workers in the private and public sectors thru our EC Program that provides a package of benefits in the event of work-connected contingencies such as sickness, injury, disability or death.”

 

S. Barredo – REU 6