Marikina City— After a work-related injury that may have been a serious setback for 54-year-old Casiano Felipe Jr., the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) helped him turn it into a springboard for healing and a new beginning.

Expressing his gratitude, Casiano shared, “Malaking tulong ang programa ng ECC sa akin at aking pamilya. Dahil maliban sa pagpapagamot, nabigyan din ako ng pagkakataon para makabangon sa tulong ng negosyong ibinigay sa akin.”

In August 22, 2022, what seems to be an ordinary routine at work led to an accident that changed his life when a broken machine struck his left knee while welding in the ship’s engine room. It caused laceration and impaired his mobility. The accident endangered his means of support. Fortunately, ECC was there to support him get back on his feet.

Apart from receiving benefits from the Social Security System (SSS), he was granted P10,000 in EC cash assistance. To aid in his recovery, ECC also shouldered the cost of his physical and occupational therapy sessions, he also received P500 daily EC transportation and meal allowance per session.

To help him start building his livelihood, he was given a P20,000 EC starter kit to launch his own welding and repair business following the free livelihood training program he attended at ECC. Casiano now runs his company with success, transforming his abilities into a steady source of money for his family.

The ECC continuously help Filipino employees who suffer from illnesses and accidents at work so they can not only recuperate but also prosper after their ordeal. The ECC’s goal of empowering employees and giving them the tools to create a brighter future is demonstrated by Casiano’s story.

 

Ela Mae Bayangos, Information Officer – REU 2