The Employees’ Compensation Commission Regional Extension Unit X1 represented by Administrative Officer Franscheline Loayan granted a hand prosthesis to Harrison Barriga, a miner of Apex Mining Corporation under its Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program on July 2, 2021 at the Department of Labor and Employment XI, Davao City
ECC KaGabay Program is an economic assistance offered to persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) who want to avail physical restoration services including artificial prosthesis and physical or occupational therapy sessions, skills and entrepreneurship training, and livelihood assistance.
The ₱154,000 worth of hand prosthesis was given to Barriga after he suffered amputation due to an accident in the minefield. Apart from the prosthesis, he also received disability and medical benefits, cash assistance amounting to ₱10,000 and livelihood assistance worth ₱20,000.00.
Under the KaGabay program of ECC, the granting of prostheses and other assistive devices aims to restore the worker physically and help them regain confidence and psychological stability. ECC believes that it is also important to deal not only with the financial concerns of the worker but also with his psychological state.
“This prosthesis means so much to me. It gave me the confidence that I need to continue to live a meaningful life,” said Barigga during the ceremonial awarding.
“Ang laking tulong ng ECC sa akin dahil sa mga panahon na wala akong trabaho sanhi ng aksidente na nangyari sakin ay andyan sila para tulungan at gabayan ako lalo na sa mga pinansyal na obligasyon sa pamilya ko,” Barriga added.
ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis stressed that the EC Program has been holistically addressing the concerns of every person with work-related disability (PWRD).
“ECC offers additional benefits aside from the loss of income, medical benefits, and death with funeral benefits, that they may file at the SSS or GSIS. Those with approved EC claims may avail our services under the KaGabay Program as well,” said Banawis.
ECC is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) whose flagship program is designed to provide a package of benefits to employees who meet work-connected contingencies.
A. Bantan – REU11