The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) joined the 2017 Araw Ng Mga Kasambahay with the DOLE-CAR on January 29, 2017. The annual event which started in 2013, marked its 4th year of providing information regarding the Batas Kasambahay or Domestic Workers Act (RA 10361) to its intended audience, the domestic helper or ‘kasambahay’.

ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis emphasized that the provision of social insurance through the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) is part of the social protection afforded by RA 10361 and that the ECC is steadfast in supporting the ‘kasambahays’. By participating in the 2017 Araw ng Mga Kasambahay Program, the ECC has cemented its commitment in providing ‘kasambahays’ the benefits and services the ECP has in the event that they suffer from work-related injuries, sickness or death.

ECC Regional Extension Unit (REU) Information Officer II Dennis Garret Lee, discussed briefly the history of the ECC, its structure and the process in providing benefits for work related illnesses, injuries and death. The highlight of the talk focused on the importance of establishing the connection between the sickness, injury or death and their work as a ‘kasambahay’. The discussion also stressed the benefits they can avail under the ECP such as loss of income, medical, carer’s allowance and rehabilitation services.

A “Guide for Employees,” “An Employers’ Guide on the Employees’ Compensation,” “List of Occupational Diseases” in the form of leaflets and booklets were also handed out to the participants detailing occupational and work-related diseases, process of filing for a claim and also the Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program of the ECC.

The whole day program treated the ‘kasambahays’ and their dependents to free medical, dental and wellness services such as massages, manicures and also eye check-ups. Various government agencies like the Social Security System (SSS), Philhealth, Pag-Ibig and the local government of Baguio took part in the event to highlight the rights of the ‘kasambahay’ and the various benefits that they can avail from these agencies.