ECC helps injured seafarer become rice retailer

ECC helps injured seafarer become rice retailer
Rocky Bautista March 7, 2025 https://pia.gov.ph/ecc-helps-injured-seafarer-become-rice-retailer/

The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) provides support and opportunities for survivors of work-related injuries, helping injured workers rebuild their lives.

Arman Roy Manarang, 31, a seafarer from Lingayen, Pangasinan, recently received 20,000 pesos in livelihood assistance from the ECC.

The grant allowed him to start a rice retailing business after sustaining second-degree burns on his right hand from a chemical exposure aboard a vessel on April 2.

The burns forced Manarang to leave his seafaring career and the ECC supported him during his recovery. He received 36,000 pesos for his EC sickness claim, followed by 10,000 pesos in cash assistance in December 2024.

The livelihood aid is the latest step in the ECC’s support program.

“I am deeply grateful to ECC for their unwavering support,” Manarang said. “This assistance means the world to me.”

The ECC provides livelihood assistance to workers who have suffered work-related injuries.

Brighter Future

ECC’s livelihood assistance program helps work-related injury survivors establish alternative income streams.

Lawyer Kaima Via Velasquez, ECC executive director, said, “More than just an economic boost, this assistance symbolizes hope, resilience, and a new beginning.”

“The ECC remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering Filipino workers,” Velasquez said.

In 2024, the ECC Region 1 assisted nine beneficiaries in the livelihood program, and three have benefited this year.

To qualify for employee compensation, injuries or illnesses must be work-related.

Private-sector workers, including sea-based overseas Filipino workers and “kasambahays” (domestic helpers), must be Social Security System members. Government employees must be Government Service Insurance System members.

Claims must be filed within three years of the sickness, injury or death. Denied claims can be reconsidered and appealed to the ECC.

The ECC offers support programs beyond basic compensation, including the Quick Response Team program, which provides counseling, information, claims assistance and benefit facilitation.

The “Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang may Kapansanan” or KaGabay program offers economic assistance to persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) with approved EC disability benefits.

This includes physical restoration, skills training and entrepreneurial training.

The ECC supports workers’ reintegration into society.

Commitment to reintegration

Dexter Dupagan, ECC-Regional Extension Unit 1 information officer, said the agency assists workers in their reintegration to society.

“We are [more than] willing to accept them and mostly help their reintegration,” Dupagan said.

The ECC’s efforts reflect its dedication to the welfare of Filipino workers.

Manarang’s story illustrates the power of hope, resilience and community.

With the ECC’s support, workers facing life-changing injuries can look forward to a brighter future. (AMB/REB/PIA Region 1)