The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) in Northern Mindanao awarded a P10,000 livelihood complementary kit and store signage to a former security guard who got injured while traveling home from work.

On December 2, 2022, Juswa Pacquing, a security guard assigned in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, was riding a tricab when another passenger attempted to assault him. To escape the attacker, he jumped from the running vehicle, resulting in injuries to his left arm and shoulder. Since the incident occurred while he was returning home from work, it was deemed work-related, making him eligible for benefits under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program.

Pacquing received 90 days of EC sickness benefits, in addition to his SS sickness benefits. He also received monetary assistance through the EC Cash Assistance program. Through the ECC’s Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program, he was able to avail free physical therapy at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center, one of ECC’s partner hospitals, as well as transportation and meal allowances for his therapy sessions.

Unable to return to work, Pacquing started his sari-sari store business to support his family. To further enhance his entrepreneurial skills, he attended an Entrepreneurship Development Seminar in April 2023, organized by ECC Northern Mindanao and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – X. In July 2023, he received from the ECC a P20,000 livelihood starter kit, which he used to purchase stocks for his store.

A year later, ECC monitored the sustainability of his home-based business. Since it was still thriving, Pacquing qualified for a P10,000 EC complementary kit. It was awarded in November 2024, which he used to buy additional stocks for his store. As part of his recognition for resilience, he was also given a free store signage by ECC.

“Maraming salamat po sa ECC sa pagbibigay ng mga benepisyo lalo na ang livelihood. Malaking tulong po ito sa aking pamilya. Sana po ay marami pa kayong matulungan tulad ko. Tinuturing ko po itong isang biyaya at dalangin ko po na pagpalain pa kayo. Maraming salamat po,” said Pacquing.

Work-related injuries or illnesses can significantly affect a worker’s physical well-being. While no one wants to face such challenges, government programs like the EC Program offer valuable support and opportunities, for employees who are unable to return to work due to work-related contingencies.

 

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S. Obice – REU 10