Joven Carelo (right) checks his thigh before fitting the above-the-knee prosthesis granted by the ECC in Tanza Cavite on January 06, 2023. The awarding of prosthesis is part of the ECC’s Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program for workers who met work-related contingencies.

The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) awarded Joven Carelo, a former employee of Banbros Commercial Inc., a new above-the-knee prosthesis as part of the agency’s Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program.

Carelo, whose right leg was amputated following a work-related motorcycle accident in June 2015, received a new above-the-knee prosthesis worth ₱80,000.00 on January 6, 2023, in Tanza, Cavite. This is a replacement of his worn out artificial leg, also provided by the ECC.

The grant is part of the ECC’s assistance to persons with work-related disability (PWRD) under the KaGaBay Program. The awarding of the assistive device was facilitated by ECC doctor Marian Marquez with nurse Aniceta Misa, and ECC personnel – Eunice De Guzman and Joel Ardale.

Prior to the grant of prosthesis, ECC also provided Carelo with free physical therapy at ECC’s partner hospital.

In 2015, Carelo also received EC disability benefits. Furthermore, he already finished his seminar on how to start a business, simple bookkeeping, and values formation, also granted by the Commission. To help Carelo become economically independent, the ECC will be granting him livelihood starter kit worth ₱20,000.

Despite his disability, Carelo remains in high spirits, he said, “Makakapag jogging na ako ulit. Salamat, ECC!,” after receiving his new prosthesis.

“Malaking tulong po talaga ang ECC sa asawa ko, lalo na sa mental state niya at hindi na siya ma-depress sa nangyari,” added Rosemarie, Carelo’s wife.

The Employees’ Compensation Commission is committed to helping Filipino workers regain their dignity, lessen their vulnerability, lead full, and active lives.

E. De Guzman – C.O.