The Employees’ Compensation Commission XI together with the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO XI)    organized an ‘Entrepreneurial Development and Financial Awareness Seminar’ for 9 ECC beneficiaries considered Persons with Working Disabilities (PWRD’s) from different parts of Region XI at the ECC Training Room, Davao City on July 4-5, 2017.

William Taroja, John Vincent Bordador, Julvin Jardio, JR Dumagsa, Jemar Palmero, Leonel Bacang, Alberto Caballero, Larry Duran and Nelson Gabica, all ECC beneficiaries, were in attendance during the activity. All the participants were previously granted EC disability benefits and Physical or Occupational Therapy.

Stella Zipagan-Banawis, ECC Executive Director, remarks “the objective of this activity is to ensure sustainability on the livelihood programs which are to be granted to the Occupationally-Disabled Workers by apprising them of the proper management of their respective home-based business.”

Ms. Rea Sa-an of NCRO XI discussed the basic characteristics of an Entrepreneur as well as the fundamental elements of starting up a business, like the different risks and rewards of going into it. She also incorporated in the lecture the proper method on how to make business plans as well as examples of viable business that can help the PWRD’s in selecting a business that fits their capacity, interest and skills.

During the training, a workshop in making a business plan was also undertaken to equip the participants with sufficient knowledge as to the preparatory aspect of the business enterprise. Further, a lecture on Financial Literacy like preparation of financial statements and family budgeting was also tackled up to intensify the awareness of the participants regarding financial management.

“Napakalaking tulong po sa amin itong ibinigay na training dahil ito ay magagamit hindi lamang sa negosyong ipagkakaloob sa amin ng ECC kundi pati rin sa pang’araw-araw na pamumuhay namin”, Mr. William Taroja, an EC beneficiary, commented after the event.

The conduct of this training was in accordance with the ECC’s thrust in strengthening the provision of Skills and Entrepreneurship Training services for Persons with Work-related Disabilities (PWRDs) that is integral to KAGABAY Program.