“Ang saya ko, feeling ko kumpleto na ako ulit,”  Michael Flores said with a complete smile while receiving his cosmetic prosthesis, a grant under the KaGabay (Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan) Program of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).

“Hindi na ako mahihiya na lumabas kasi nagkaroon na ako ng confidence. Masarap sa pakiramdam,” he added.

On August 20, 2018, Flores met an accident while on duty as helper at Jean Print in Mandaluyong City.The incident resulted to the amputation of his right arm.

Flores filed his EC claim through the Social Security System (SSS). He was granted EC sickness benefits and a cash assistance worth Php 13,000.00. He also received Php 20,000.00 worth of starter kit for his chosen business after he completed the entrepreneurial training on August 30, 2019.

“Sa ngayon kumikita na rin ang aking tindahan at nakakapag-ipon na rin bilang paghahanda sa pagkakaroon ng pamilya,” Flores said.

In January 2020, he was granted an above elbow prosthesis work Php. 125,000 under the ECC KaGabay Program.

The KaGabay program provides special assistance to the persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) aimed at facilitating their re-integration into the economic mainstream either through vocational skills training and placement assistance or through entrepreneurial training and assistance in the setting-up of micro enterprise or home-based business.

The program also provides rehabilitation services (occupational or physical therapy) and rehabilitation appliances to persons with work-related disability.

Work-connected sickness or injuries are covered by the EC Program. Benefits provided come in the form of sickness benefits, medical, career’s allowance, rehabilitation services, as well as death with funeral benefits.

EC claims are filed with the SSS for those in the private sector and with the GSIS for those in the public sector.

REU 1 – Dexter Dupagan