Dasmariñas, Cavite – 57-year-old Nonilon C. Mantillas, a seafarer and former chief cook, has found a fresh start with the help of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), following a work-related accident that nearly derailed his livelihood.

Nonilon, a dedicated family man with two children and a resident of Brgy. San Jose, Dasmariñas, Cavite, was employed onboard a ship where he managed the food provisions for the crew.

On September 1, 2022, while preparing food in the ship’s kitchen, Nonilon accidentally slipped and sustained a fracture of his right leg. The injury significantly affected his mobility and left him unable to carry heavy items exceeding fifty percent (50%) of his body weight, ultimately leaving him unable to return to his former duties.

Upon learning about the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) from his fellow workers, Nonilon filed for EC benefits through the Social Security System (SSS). In addition to his SSS sickness benefits he received, he was granted EC temporary total disability (TTD) / EC sickness and EC disability benefits, through which he has been receiving a monthly disability pension amounting to ₱18,000 from both SSS and ECC for the past two years.

As part of ECC’s extended support for persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs), Mantillas was awarded ₱10,000 in cash assistance. He also underwent 12 sessions of free physical therapy and medical consultation at UERM Medical Center, with an additional ₱500 daily allowance for transportation and meals throughout the duration of his therapy. This treatment played a vital role in his full recovery.

Following the free orientation on “How to Start a Business and Simple Bookkeeping,” that he attended on October 25, 2023 at ECC Office, Nonilon was awarded a livelihood starter kit worth ₱20,000 where he launched a small garments business from his home through the aid of ECC’s Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan (KaGabay) Program.

During the follow-up monitoring conducted by ECC officers, Nonilon was happy to share that he expanded his offerings to include a sari-sari store alongside his garments business and through his perseverance and careful savings from his business profits, he was able to build a physical store.

 

 

Ela Bayangos, Information Officer – REU 2