Twelve persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) from West Leyte underwent a social preparation and livelihood training through the Employees’ Compensation Commission’s (ECC) Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program held at the Sutuwaki Restaurant, Ormoc City.

The training was organized by the ECC’s Regional Extension Unit No.8 in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). It included a series of interactive activities and simulations which allowed the participants to explore several scenarios and outcomes in relation to managing a micro-enterprise. A values formation module was also discussed for them to fully understand and learn the best practices of the trade.

With the ultimate goal of bringing back the dignity of every working man and woman, the KaGabay Program was crafted to ensure focus on the physical restoration, rehabilitation and reintegration of PWRDs to the economic mainstream. The benefits provided under the said program are on top of the benefits employees may avail under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) which include loss of income, medical, carer’s allowance, funeral and death benefits.

Under the KaGabay Program, employees who have approved ECP claims from either SSS or GSIS may avail of free rehabilitation services at any ECC accredited hospitals. They are likewise eligible to file for a livelihood grant which shall consist of a livelihood starter kit amounting to twenty thousand pesos to thirty thousand pesos.

Since the establishment of ECC’s Regional Extension Units in 2012, the ECC has regularly conducted trainings and programs to ECP beneficiaries all over the country to augment and expedite the recovery process of all workers who have suffered from work-related contingencies.

“The KaGabay Program was primarily created to provide adequate support system to our PWRDs as they participate in different socio-economic activities. By providing them with the proper knowledge, skills and mindset when it comes to managing a micro enterprise, we at ECC, believes that our ECP beneficiaries, though injured or suffering from physical disabilities can still be productive members of the socio-economic mainstream,” said ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis.

 

Want to know more about the Employees’ Compensation Program? Email ECC at [email protected] or call 899-4251 local 227 for free on-site seminars.

End./Mitch Basal