“Our humble community is deeply grateful with this excellent opportunity to learn more about the benefits we could enjoy as workers. We are always happy to extend help for the success of such great advocacies like this,” George Maximo Capia, Executive Assistant to the Mayor of Aparri, Cagayan, said on July 16, 2024.

With over 300 participants who actively joined in the 2-day Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) Advocacy Seminar in Region 2, there is no doubt that the event was indeed a resounding success.

Commencing with an impressive turnout of almost 180 attendees at Hotel Dian, Aparri on July 16, and over 130 participants gathered on the second day at Blue Coast Hotel, Sta. Ana on July 17.

Participants coming from different municipalities and cities in the region did not only actively participate but also eagerly shared their experiences and testimonies on how ECP has helped them.

Despite differences in perspective and nature of work as the attendees were employers, workers, some teachers, uniformed personnel, voluntary members of SSS and government agencies including barangay officials, the diverse group engaged in informative discussions, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive employee compensation and welfare.

Moreover, a significant addition to the event was the participation of Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), further reinforcing the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on collaboration to conduct an awareness campaign and extend assistance to uniformed personnel who were wounded-in-action (WIA) and to the families of uniformed personnel who were killed-in-action (KIA).

“Region 2 DOLE family is overwhelmed with this commendable initiative of ECC advocating active involvement in information dissemination on workers’ benefits,” said Jesus Elpidio Atal, Jr., Regional Director of DOLE Region 2.

“Although Region 2 is a relatively peaceful area concerning issues on occupational contingencies, it is important that the workforce be made aware of their benefits should there be unexpected incidents in the workplace,” Dir. Atal added in his welcome remarks.

The multi-sector engagement underscored ECC’s commitment to broadening awareness and understanding of the ECP. The seminar provided valuable information on workers’ rights and benefits, highlighting ECC’s ongoing efforts to support and educate workers, as well as employers in Region 2.

 

E. Bayangos – REU 2