The Employees’ Compensation Commission recently partnered with the Philippine Nurses’ Association for a massive information campaign on the Employees’ Compensation Program. Held on August 26, 2020, the Webinar focused on discussing the salient provisions of the Employees’ Compensation Program and the benefits that may be availed in the event that a worker contracts a work-connected sickness, injury or death.
The activity is welcomed by healthcare workers of Eastern Visayas considering the increase of COVID-19 cases in the region.
Under the Employees’ Compensation Program, workers from both the government and private sectors may avail loss of income benefits, medical benefits, carer’s allowance, rehabilitation services and all other benefits when they suffer from work-related contingencies through the Government Service Insurance System or the Social Security System.
Although COVID-19 is not yet listed as part of the 32 list of compensable diseases under the Employees’ Compensation Program, workers who acquire the same may still avail the benefits through the “Increased Risk Theory”. Under this principle, a disease may still be compensable provided that the employee is able to establish that he or she contracted the disease because of the nature of his or her work or the working environment.
During his opening remarks, DOLE Regional Director Yahya A. Centi, who is himself a nurse by profession, underscored that he is emphatic of the plight of all healthcare workers. He likewise mentioned that he is proud of his brothers and sisters in the nursing profession for pursuing a career in health services despite the dangers of COVID-19.
On the other hand Archie Labordo, RN, MAN., House of Delegates for PNA Leyte, expressed his appreciation to the Employees’ Compensation Commission and the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 8 for facilitating the webinar. He further stressed that since the declaration of Enhanced Community Quarantine in March of 2020, the members of the Philippine Nurses’ Association Eastern Visayas haven’t had any opportunity to physically meet because of the quarantine protocols in Region 8. He said that the webinar has paved the way for a meaningful discussion among the PNA members especially on highlighting the benefits of the Employees’ Compensation Program.
“I am happy to note that despite the varying quarantine protocols all over the Philippines, our officers from ECC Makati as well as our staff in the Regional Extension Units have continually delivered our services to the general public. By adopting a blended learning program, we are able to reach out to our clients and beneficiaries and still conduct massive information campaigns to several stakeholders,” said ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis. “We are thankful to the Philippine Nurses’ Association Eastern Visayas for heeding our call for collaboration. It is our hope that we can continue to partner with more organizations and associations as we aim to expand and enhance our programs.”
M. Basal – 8