The families of 38 employees who died during a fire which engulfed Davao City’s NCCC Mall received a funeral benefit under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) last 2 February 2018 at the WODP Hall of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Regional Office No. XI, Agdao, Davao City.

DOLE XI Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Ramos led the distribution of the EC funeral benefits, and she was assisted by Social Security System (SSS) Branch Heads Jose Catoto Jr. and Mary Ellen Estoque.

The beneficiaries also received livelihood package in the form of starter kits worth P20,000 from DOLE-ROXI. Their children are also entitled to participate in the agency’s Special Program for Employment of Students.

“Aside from the funeral benefits, the beneficiaries of each victim will also receive survivorship pension, still under the ECP, which is now being processed by the SSS, the ECP administering agency for the private sector,” Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tulong ng ating gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng ECC at DOLE,” a husband of one of the victims said.

On the other hand, a sister of one of the victims expressed appreciation and gratitude to ECC and DOLE over the assistance extended for the bereaved families. “Though no amount can appease the grief caused by the loss of their loved ones, the aid granted by the ECC and DOLE greatly helps the family to cope with our loss,” she added.

In her welcome remarks, DOLE XI Assistant Regional Director Ramos emphasized that DOLE and ECC work hand in hand in catering to the needs of every victim of work-connected contingency.

The ECC, an attached agency of the DOLE, implements the ECP which provides benefits and services to the workers and their beneficiaries in the event of work-connected diseases, injuries, or death. Under the said program, persons with work-related disabilities are entitled to receive loss-of-income, medical, and carer’s allowance, as well as death benefits or rehabilitation services.

End

Albert Bantan

ECC-REU XI Information Officer II