The Philippines is moving to strengthen protections for workers through expanded compensation coverage, enhanced occupational safety programmes and improved rehabilitation services, following the latest meeting of the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC).
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, who chairs the ECC, led the Commission's Sixth Regular Meeting on 23 July, where members reviewed policy, administrative and operational measures aimed at improving support for employees affected by work-related illnesses, injuries, disabilities or fatalities.
Among the key proposals discussed was expanding the list of occupational diseases eligible for compensation. The Commission considered recommendations to include additional work-related illnesses, including certain types of cancer, to ensure more affected workers can access compensation benefits.
Tolentino also reiterated support for broader occupational disease protection, citing the importance of the International Labour Organization's Asbestos Convention.
"I join the advocacy to expand the coverage, specifically because there is an ILO Convention, which is ILO Convention No. 162, which has yet to be ratified, or the Asbestos Convention," he said.
The Commission also approved several administrative measures designed to strengthen ECC operations. These include revisions to the agency's 2026 Annual Procurement Plan, the procurement of outsourced personnel and expanded public information campaigns through teleradyo programming to raise awareness of workers' compensation benefits.
Beyond compensation, the meeting reviewed progress on the proposed Workers' Rehabilitation Center Complex (WRCC), a 50-hectare facility that will serve as the central hub for the ECC's Disability Management and Return-to-Work Assistance Programme. The project aims to support injured workers through rehabilitation and facilitate their reintegration into the workforce.
Members also received updates on regional occupational safety initiatives under the ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network, alongside capability-building programmes covering emergency rescue operations and workplace mental health. Preparations for the 14th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan, which recognises excellence in workplace safety and health, were also discussed.
The Commission said members will submit additional roadmaps and recommendations on the initiatives reviewed during the meeting before reconvening next month to continue discussions.
The Employees' Compensation Commission, an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment, administers the Employees' Compensation Programme, which provides financial benefits and related support to workers who suffer work-related sickness, injury or disability, as well as death benefits for qualified dependants.