The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) in Northern Mindanao has awarded a P10,000 livelihood complementary kit to Norberto Tidalgo, a former heavy equipment operator from Misamis Oriental, who was injured in a work-related accident. The assistance aims to support his hog-raising business as he continues to recover from the incident.

In October 2020, Tidalgo was on his way to work early one morning when a motor vehicle suddenly veered into his lane, colliding with his motorcycle. The impact damaged his gasoline tank and severely injured his right leg, resulting in a fracture that required him to rest for 90 days. This accident led to his temporary work displacement and a challenging period of recovery.

After learning about the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program in late 2021, Tidalgo reached out to the ECC Northern Mindanao office for assistance. The ECC coordinated with his former employer to file his EC Sickness claim with the Social Security System (SSS), which serves as ECC’s administering agency for private sector claims. By February 2022, his claim was successfully approved, granting him access to EC Sickness benefits.

With the approval of his EC benefits, Tidalgo became eligible for the EC Cash Assistance program, for which he received P10,000. In November 2022, he attended a free livelihood training session conducted by the ECC Northern Mindanao office and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB-X). This training, along with his eligibility, led to the awarding of a P20,000 livelihood starter kit on May 2023 to support his new venture into hog-raising.

In 2024, ECC Northern Mindanao followed up on his business progress, and Tidalgo’s perseverance in sustaining the hog-raising venture earned him an additional P10,000 livelihood complementary kit which was awarded on October 11, 2024. The funds were used to purchase hog feeds, providing further support to his growing business.

While work-related injuries can bring significant challenges, the ECC’s programs have provided Tidalgo with the essential support needed to rebuild his life and career. Programs like the EC Program offer a vital safety net for workers who face unexpected circumstances, allowing them to pursue new opportunities and continue contributing to their communities.

 

Stella Obice, Information Officer – REU 10