CITY OF MALOLOS – Strengthening workers’ awareness of their employment-related benefits and expanding support for local entrepreneurs, the Provincial Government of Bulacan in collaboration with the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) and other government agencies, conducted the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) Advocacy Seminar and Consultation and Go Asenso Negosyo Caravan on October 20, 2026, at The Pavilion, Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center.
The activity provided workers, employers, and micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners with information on the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program, including its benefits, coverage, and claims procedures, as well as government initiatives designed to help businesses sustain and grow their operations.
ECC Information and Public Assistance Division OIC Chief Alvin C. Garcia discussed the overview of the EC Program, explaining that it provides compensation and related benefits to qualified employees who suffer from work-related sickness, injury, disability, or death administered through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for public sector employees and the Social Security System (SSS) for private sector workers.
He further explained that compulsory SSS members, including regular employees, self-employed members, sea-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and housemaids, are covered by the EC Program, clarifying that SSS members with voluntary membership status must register as self-employed members to be covered under the program, subject to applicable SSS rules.
Eligible members may receive disability benefits, medical benefits, carer’s allowance, death and funeral benefits, and rehabilitation services. Employee coverage takes effect on the first day of employment, in accordance with the program’s provisions.
Meanwhile, ECC Public Relations Officer Ella Mae P. Bayangos discussed the compensability of contingencies, available benefits, and the process of filing EC claims, noting that applications may be submitted online or at the branch nearest the claimant’s place of work or residence.
The activity also featured an open forum where employers, business owners, and other attendees had the opportunity to raise questions, share concerns, and seek clarification from the speakers regarding the topics discussed.
In support of local enterprises, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) presented strategies on El Niño preparedness and business continuity planning for MSMEs while the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) presented the programs and services offered by the PGB to MSMEs, emphasizing the provincial government’s continuing commitment to helping local entrepreneurs access business development assistance and opportunities for growth.
Also present as speakers were Vice Gov. Alexis C. Castro, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Atty. Coco Chanel Garcia-Yap; ECC Commissioner Atty. Allan S. Montaño; ECC Deputy Executive Director Atty. Evelyn R. Ramos, who provided an overview of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC); and SSS Branch Head Venice S. Alonzo.
