PRESS RELEASE "ECC-DOLE, RBI Sign Agreement to Benefit

RESOURCES FOR THE BLIND, INC.
PO Box 1831, Manila, Philippines
Tel. Nos. 726-3021 to 24 Fax. 63-2-727-0077
Email. [email protected] Website. www.blind.org.ph
October 22, 2014
PRESS RELEASE
ECC-DOLE, RBI Sign Agreement to Benefit Visually Impaired Workers
The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), an attached agency of the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the
Resources for the Blind, Inc. (RBI) in order to provide rehabilitation services to Filipino workers
who become visually impaired or blind as a result of work-related injuries.
The Agreement fully supports the ECC’s KAGABAY or Katulong at Gabay ng Manggagawang
may Kapansanan Program, which provides comprehensive rehabilitation activities such as
counseling, therapy regimens, prostheses replacement and provision of assistive devices to
workers with various categories of disabilities as a result of injuries or illnesses from workrelated accidents or work hazard exposures.
“We cannot find an organization that provides comprehensive Rehabilitation Services for
persons with visual impairment, so we are happy to have found Resources for the Blind and
forge this partnership with them,” said Dr. Raymond Bañaga, Medical Officer III of the ECC.
“This is a great step for persons with visual impairment in the country. Providing for the needs
of workers who get blind due to work-related causes is truly a big accomplishment on the part of
the government,” claimed Mr. Randy Weisser, the Executive Director of RBI.
“The visually impaired sector will be very happy about this important development. We truly
appreciate this effort,” he added.
Dr. Banaga shared that the ECC has revised its Implementing Rules and Regulations for the
KAGABAY Program. “Before, only those needing orthopedic devices, as well as those with
musculoskeletal disabilities were able to benefit from the program. Now, with our MOA with
RBI, we look forward to providing rehabilitation services to workers who became visually
impaired as a result of work-related injury or sickness.”
ECC Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis expressed her elation on the partnership
agreement between the two institutions.
“We are glad that there are organizations like Resources for the Blind, Inc. which shares the
same commitment of ECC in helping rebuild the lives of persons with work-related disabilities. I
know that this partnership between ECC and RBI will make visually-impaired or blind PWrDs
feel that there are people who care for them and are willing to help them become more
productive,” she said.
As implementor of the Employees Compensation Program (ECP), ECC is mandated by law to
provide meaningful and appropriate compensation to workers. Along this line, it formulates
policies and guidelines for the improvement of the employees' compensation program. It also
reviews and decides on appeals all EC claims disapproved by the Systems, as well as initiates
policies and programs toward adequate occupational health and safety and accident prevention in
the working environment. Details about the ECP and all other ECC-related information may be
found through the ECC website through this link: http://www.ecc.gov.ph/.
RBI, on the other hand, is a nonprofit, Christian organization that has been serving the blind for
over 26 years now. Its main goal is to develop and implement programs that will provide
opportunities for social equality and economic independence for visually impaired Filipinos. Its
primary work has been in ensuring inclusive education for children with visual impairment, and
the prevention of avoidable blindness. More information about RBI can be accessed through this
link: www.blind.org.ph.
—end—
Media Inquiries:
RBI URL: www.blind.org.ph
Randy Weisser I [email protected]
Like us on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/resourcesfortheblind
Rosemarie O. Aguilar I [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Tel. No.: +63 2 726 3021 to 24
Fax No.: +63 2 727 0077
DSWD Authority No.: 2014-08; Validity Period: May 12, 2014 to May 13, 2015; Area of Coverage: Nationwide
RBI is PCNC accredited. Business donations are tax deductible.

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