The Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) extended EC funeral benefit to the families of the victims during the fire that engulfed NCCC Mall on 23 December 2017.

DOLE XI Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Ramos, joined by two SSS Branch heads, Jose Catoto Jr. and Mary Ellen Estoque respectively,  led the EC funeral Check distribution on 02 February 2018 at WODP Hall, DOLE XI, Agdao, Davao City.

Last 23 December 2017,  38 employees, 37 of which were call center agents, succumbed due to fire incident in NCCC Mall in Davao City.

The Employees’ Compensation Commission granted each of the families Thirty thousand pesos as EC funeral benefit. Ensuing is the EC survivorship pension to the spouse or parents and children below 21 years of age. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment XI awarded all the beneficiary families with livelihood package in the amount of 20 thousand pesos in the form of starter kits and Special Employment for their children.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tulong ng ating gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng ECC at DOLE.” said Mr. Raul Daluro II, the husband of the deceased Maryjoy Hope Daluro.

DOLE XI Assistant Regional Director Ramos emphasized during her welcome remarks that DOLE and ECC go hand in hand in catering the needs of every victim of work-connected contingency such as what happened to those who unfortunately perished during the fire.

Verna Liza Kimpo, sister of the victim Venus Joy Kimpo, expressed appreciation and gratitude to ECC and DOLE over the assistance extended for the bereaved families. “Though no amount can appease the grief caused by the loss of their loved ones, the aid granted by the ECC and DOLE greatly helps the family to cope with our loss.” she added.

Mr. Catoto Jr., SSS Davao branch head, assured the families of expedited facilitation of the EC death benefit.

ECC-REUXI