“Hirap ako. Kailangan kong gumastos para sa aking terapi. Kaya sobrang pasalamat ko na libre na ang gastos ko sa aking terapi dahil work-connected ang sakit ko. Salamat ECC!,” said Ma. Lourdes Pasobillo, a government employee who survived a work-related stroke.
Pasobillo is a senior officer in the Consumer Protection Division of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Albay. She interviews complainants, reviews complaints and prepares notices of mediation. She is also the collection officer in their division which handles business name registration.
Prior to her stroke which led to her right side body paralysis, she attended a series of office functions: auditing by the Commission on Audit, review of accomplishments, and deliberation of activities for the remaining targets of the year.
In 2020, Pasobillo was introduced to the benefits of the EC Program through the safety training conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Due to her stroke, she filed an EC Claim at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). She received an EC Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. This qualifies her to other benefits and services under the EC Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program.
In October 2021, the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) provided her with 10 free physical therapy sessions. Recently, she also received ₱5,500.00 as her transportation and meal allowance under the EC KaGabay Program.
Pasobillo is to be granted with another set of free physical therapy sessions to help her fully recover and improve her handwriting.
“Ako kasi ang tipo ng tao na di pwede ang pwede na. Ayaw kong gamitin na excuse yung kapansanan ko,” said Pasobillo referring to her determination to continue improving her physical challenges after suffering a stroke.
EC Program supports persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) and helps them return to work with ease.
“Kasi hangga’t kaya ko ibibigay ko yung best ko, though limited ang tingin sa akin ng iba,” said Pasobillo who turned 32 years in her government service in DTI Albay.
EC KaGabay Program provides free physical and occupational therapy and other related rehabilitation services to persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs). This aims to facilitate PWRDs integration into the economic mainstream and provide equal access to livelihood opportunities.
Y. Bonavente – REU5