Thirty-three (33) persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) and their families took part in a business training dubbed as “Inspiring Individuals to Become Businesspersons” organized by the Employees’ Compensation Commission Regional Extension Unit No. 3 (ECC-REU 3) in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 3 (DOLE RO3), Department of Trade and Industry-Pampanga (DTI), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, San Fernando Branch on 22 September 2015 at the Conference Room of the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office 3.
“The said event was held in line with the ECC’s vision of uplifting the quality of life of the PWRDs by helping them reintegrate themselves in the economic mainstream either through re-employment or through establishment of their own businesses. It will also empower them to wisely and effectively utilize their skills and resources in becoming a businessperson,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.
Engineer Henry Supan, Senior Consultant of the KOG Trading and Business Consultancy Services, served as the resource speaker on how to become a successful businessperson while Malou Laconsay, Senior Research Specialist of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, shared some tips on how to handle finances wisely.
On the other hand, Rhia Laxa, Trade and Industry Development Specialist from DTI-Pampanga, addressed participants’ queries on the registration of businesses with DTI and gave word that the DTI will give another round of training focusing on skills development.
In her message, DOLE Regional Office No. 3 Director Ana Dione shared success stories of those who were assisted by the DOLE in terms of livelihood. She said that the same assistance can be extended to them by the DOLE.
As an output of the workshop, ECC REU 3 Administrative Officer II Coco Chanel Garcia guided the participants in constructing an individual business plan which shall be submitted to the DOLE for them to avail of the livelihood assistance.
“The ECC is wholeheartedly dedicated to help the PWRDs to become productive despite their disability,” Banawis said.

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With reports from Coco Chanel Garcia, Administrative Officer II, ECC-REU 3