The Employees’ Compensation Commission joined the monthly meeting of the League of Mayors of the Philippines hosted by the Local Government Unit of Padada on 09 February 2021 at Crocodile Peak, Piapi, Padada Davao del Sur.

Davao del Sur local executives, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) XI officials, officers of PNP Davao del Sur and the Department of Budget Management (DBM) Assistant Secretary Achilles Gerard C. Bravo graced the event where issues pertaining to recovery measures relative to the onslaught of the pandemic were discussed.

“The pandemic has taken its toll in our economy as it adversely affected the commercial activities brought about by the quarantine restrictions. Moreover, government efforts have been intensified to squarely address all concerns especially the issues of all Local Government Units,” DBM Assistant Secretary Bravo said. He added that all agencies must join in the current thrust of the National Government geared towards forging efficient and appropriate recovery programs.

REU XI Information Officer Albert Bantan discussed to the local executives the role of the Commission in alleviating the economic turmoil suffered by those who contracted COVID-19 in the workplace. “ECC provides a package of benefits which are readily available for the victims especially those afflicted with work-related COVID-19,” he said.

Bantan further highlighted the recent developments in the EC Program especially ECC Board Resolution 19-03-05, which expanded the coverage of the EC Program to the self-employed members of the SSS.

Mayor Pedro F. Caminero Jr. of LGU Padada expressed his gratitude that the EC Program has finally included the self-employed to the ECP. “The inclusion of self-employed SSS members to the EC Program is a welcome development as it affords social protection to all self-employed SSS members in times of work-related contingencies,” he remarked.

Starting September 2020 Payment Reference Number (PRN) issued to SSS self-employed members will include EC contributions. Hence, all EC benefits can now be enjoyed by self-employed members of the SSS in accordance with the implementing guidelines of SSS and ECC.

The members of League of Mayors of the Philippines who were present in the activity pledged support in the dissemination of awareness on the EC Program throughout the province of Davao del Sur. “In behalf of the League, ECC is assured of our help for its quest to give the public appreciable awareness on the EC Program,” Mayor Carminero said.

 

A. Bantan – 11