While it is true that work-related disabilities limit the capacity of a person to earn a living, it is his desire to overcome his physical limitations that will empower him to return to the productive person he once was. Or, maybe, to become even better.
Seven persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) in Caraga Region completed the course on Meat Processing for the PWRDs last July 10, 2015 at the Butuan Manpower Training Center in Langihan, Butuan City.
“This training has given me and my family an opportunity to gain extra money for our daily life. It will be very advantageous for me even if this could be a small time business only. I really appreciate ECC’s service to the workers with disabilities”, said Roberto Miole Jr., one of the beneficiaries of the said training.
Aside from Miole, other PWRDs who were able to complete the meat processing course are Renato P. Bugwat, Richard P. Estrella, Ruben G. Catig, Leo E. Piquero, Alan L. Madridano and Eleonar P. Brillo.
The skills training is among the benefits extended by the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) to PWRDs who were enrolled under its Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang May Kapansanan, or the KaGabay Program.
“Under the KaGabay Program, PWRDs are provided equal access to livelihood opportunities by helping them set up their own self-managed micro-enterprises or home-based businesses,” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.
“Through this skills training, the PWRDs in Caraga were given the opportunity to learn how to make longganisa and tocino at home. This skills training will open doors of opportunities for the PWRDs and their families as this will help them provide for their families,” Executive Director Banawis said.
Aside from the skills training, beneficiaries of the program can also avail of rehabilitation services which include provisions of physical and occupational therapy with the intention of restoring the PWRDs functional capacity and work activity.
Safety and health at the workplace
The ECC Executive Director once again reminded everyone to prioritize safety and health at the workplace.
“While there is the Employees’ Compensation Program which they can turn to in times of work-related accidents or illnesses, we should always remember that these contingencies are counter-productive. We should never put ourselves at risk. We, at the ECC, will never get tired of saying that prevention will always be better than compensation,” she ended.The Employees’ Compensation Commission celebrated its 40th founding anniversary in an eco-friendly manner by planting Cupang nurseries at the Lamesa Eco Park in Quezon City.
ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis explained that it has been an annual tradition of ECC to plant nurseries and trees. Since ECC is celebrating another milestone, such activity has been part of the weeklong anniversary celebration. ECC celebrates nature as it celebrates its 40th year of existence.
“Planting trees and nurseries symbolizes the commitment of ECC to support in revitalizing the ecosystem of the country,” added Banawis.
Other activities during the 40th anniversary celebration were: photo exhibit at the ECC lobby featuring the significant events of the Commission in 40 years, ECP in-house seminars conducted all over the Philippines by Regional Extension Units, nutritional research program for persons with work-related disabilities, film showing and wellness program for ECC employees.