The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, has conducted a series of lectures and seminars regarding the Employees’ Compensation Program to the graduating students of different colleges and universities in Eastern Visayas.

From January to February of this year, ECC-REU8 conducted ECP lectures to the Eastern Visayas State University- College of Engineering, Eastern Visayas State University- College of Education, Eastern Visayas State University-College of Business and Entrepreneurship, the Asia Pacific Career College and the Leyte Normal University.

The seminars discussed the prevention, compensation and rehabilitation components of the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP). Under prevention, the graduates are presented with the different possible work hazards that they may encounter during employment and the means of reducing or mitigating their effects.

Discussions also include the different benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Program which are lost of income benefits, medical benefits, carer’s allowance, medical benefits and rehabilitation services.

It also is emphasized to the students that under the SSS law and the Presidential Decree 626, every employee in the private sector shall be registered with the SSS within one month of employment. Failure or refusal by an employer to register his employees is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment depending on the duration of the violation or non-compliance.

For the month of March, ECC-REU8 will also conduct a series of lectures to Saint Scholastica College of Tacloban, Saint Paul School of Business and Law and the Visayas State University- Tolosa Campus.

True to its mandate, the Employees’ Compensation Commission highlights the promotion of a culture of safety and security not only to currently employed workers but as well as to the future members of the Philippine Workforce.

“It has been very important for ECC to heighten awareness on the Employees’ Compensation Program. With the establishment of Regional Extension Units all over the country, ECC continuously aims to eliminate gaps in the implementation of its programs and strengthen consciousness and understanding of the general public,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.

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With reports from Michelle Basal, ECC-REU 8 Information Officer II