Healthcare workers (HCW) found positive of COVID-19 in Bicol received ₱10,000 cash assistance under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP).

“Everything that has value needs hardwork,” said Patient No. 63, a 34 years old operating room nurse and the first HCW in Bicol who was able to complete the requirements of the COVID-19 cash assistance. Thus, he was also the first to receive the said immediate relief for the frontline workers who contracted the new corona virus disease.

He learned about the EC benefits through his fellow healthcare workers when he was admitted in the hospital for quarantine. However, not all those who recovered from COVID-19 believed that there is such a benefit.

“Masaya. Sobrang saya!” he expressed after getting his cash assistance check. “Sana wag kayo magsawang tumulong kahit marami ang hindi maniwala,” disclosed Patient 63.

Thereafter, six additional HCWs were awarded the same cash assistance benefit by the ECC.

Due to the sudden influx of COVID-19 cash assistance claims, and the limitation of funds, the COVID-19 cash assistance was suspended on September 9, 2020 while further notice.

“Meantime, all the healthcare and frontline workers affected of the cash assistance suspension are encouraged to file other EC Program (ECP) benefits at GSIS for the government sector, and at the SSS for the private sector,” said ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis.

Benefits that may be filed by COVID-19 survivors are sickness and medical benefits. For the surviving heirs of workers who died due to work-related COVID, they can claim sickness benefits, medical benefits and funeral with death benefits.

 

Yvette – 5