Ilonggo seaman moves forward with the help of ECC
A 45 year-old seaman from Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, formerly in-charge of ship maintenance of OSM Maritime Services, has availed a total amount of Php 47,928.45 in the form of benefits under the Employees’ Compensation Program for his work-related lower back injury.
The accident happened in 2005, when the said seaman lifted several drums of bitumen weighing 15-18kgs each. For three weeks, he suffered pain on his lower back and had taken medication to minimize the pain. In 2006, he visited a doctor in Texas where he was advised to have some rest for 15 days. He underwent another check-up in Holland, where he was declared unfit to work.
On 26 January 2016, the said seaman went back home. One month thereafter, he underwent a spinal surgery at the Manila Medical Center. Days after his first operation, he was advised to undergo a second surgery but he refused due to the small chance of bringing him back in normal condition. He settled for therapies as one option to recover from his injury. He underwent a series of therapy sessions at the West Visayas State University Medical Center, one of the partner hospitals of the Employees’ Compensation Commission, where he learned about the Employees’ Compensation Program.
The ECC Regional Officer in Iloilo City visited him and enrolled him for free physical therapy sessions and encouraged him to attend a livelihood training under the Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program. Despite his situation, the seaman still hopes to recover from his injury in order for him to provide for the needs of his family.
“The ECC extends a helping hand to persons with work-related disability. We do not only provide income support but also rehabilitation benefits which will uplift the life of PWRDs and return back their confidence to live a normal life again. We assure prompt and accessible provision of these benefits through our Regional Extension Units and through our quality-assured partner hospitals,” said Executive Director Stella Z. Banawis.
The ECP is a government program that provides a package of benefits to private and public workers in the event of work-related sickness, injury or death.
ECC surprises injured sales clerk with additional ECP benefits
A 50 year-old sales clerk of an upholstery supplier in Iloilo City received an Employees’ Compensation benefit amounting to Php 33,675.85, as her permanent partial disability pension for five (5) months due to her amputated left-thumb.
On September 26, 2015, the sales clerk was on her desk organizing some receipts when a customer approached her for assistance to put a ring hole in a tarpaulin bought in their store. While operating the machine, she was caught off balance which unintentionally placed her left thumb in the ring blade, cutting her left thumb instantly.
For a mother of two children, she felt devastated as she can no longer do simple chores.
In February 2016, the Employees’ Compensation Commission’s Regional Officer paid her a visit and explained to her the Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan or the KaGabay Program.
Surprised that she is entitled to the ECC KaGabay Program benefits, she expressed her interest to avail the free physical therapy sessions in St. Pauls’ Hospital in Iloilo and a livelihood training to help her start a small business while she is working. Fortunately for her, she was reemployed in her company and simultaneously enjoying the benefits under the EC Program.
“We assure the provision of benefits for persons with work-related disabilities under the EC Program. The rehabilitation benefits and services through the ECC’s KaGabay Program is an automatic added privileges for our PWRDs so that they will achieve a decent life and become productive members of our society.” said Executive Director Stella Z. Banawis.
The ECP is a government program that provides a package of benefits for private and public workers in the event of work-related sickness, injury or death.