Reynaldo Vargas is a 40-year old factory worker from Bulacan who lost his ring finger because of an accident at work. Not allowing his disability to stop him, he immediately sought ways on how to alleviate his plight.

He first filed for an SSS and Employees’ Compensation (EC) benefits claim which was granted. He received P9,878.49 worth of EC Permanent Partial Disability benefits.

“Maliban sa aking tinanggap na benepisyo, ako din po ay nabigyan ng tulong ng Employees’ Compensation Commission na makapag-aral ng libre at may allowance pa,” he said.

Vargas, who is a father to a Grade 8 son, studied Dressmaking worth P2,540.00 at  Technology and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) which was financed under the Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang May Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program of the ECC. He also received P4,375.00 as reimbursement for his transportation and meal expenses while he was still undergoing training.

Moving past his disability, he graduated on top of his class. To jumpstart his bag making and selling business, ECC granted him with a livelihood package worth P10,000. He is now producing bags which he sells to his friends and relatives in the local market.

Right now, Vargas feels capable and complete more than ever. “Ang mga produkto na aking nagagawa ay ibinebenta ko sa mga palengke na tindahan ng bag at sa mga kakilala ko. Handa po akong palaguin ang aking negosyo,” he said.

“Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ECC sa tulong na ibinigay nila sa akin dahil nadagdagan ang aking puhunan at kaalaman sa pagtataguyod ng aking negosyo. Maraming salamat po at sana marami pa po kayong matulungan na kagaya ko. Patnubayan po kayo at pagpalain ng ating Diyos. Salamat po,” Vargas said.

“The ECC is continuously looking for ways on how to make the benefits under the ECP more responsive to the needs of our persons with work-related disabilities and/or their families. However, we always emphasize that prevention of work-related accidents or diseases should be topmost priority of workers and employers alike. We should always put premium to the safety and health in our workplaces for the benefits of our workers.” ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis said.

“Safe and healthy workers are productive workers,” she ended.

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