Twenty (20) persons with work-related disabilities (PWRDs) from both private and public sector enjoyed a full day of learning during the Livelihood Entrepreneurship Training dubbed as “How to Start Your Business” sponsored by the Employees Compensation Commission, an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment IX.

The training, which was held at the Conference Room of DOLE 9 on February 8, 2019, was intended for ECC clients with approved Employees Compensation vouchers from SSS and GSIS.

Regional Program Manager Mark B. Madarang said that this training was an additional service under the EC Program called KAGABAY.

He further added that he program aims to facilitate integration of occupationally disabled workers (ODWs) into the economic mainstream through physical restoration, training for reemployment or self-entrepreneurship.

Another goal for the program is to provide ODWs equal access to livelihood opportunities and assist them in setting-up their own self-managed microenterprises or home-based business.

ECC invited a resource speaker from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Ricardo Apolinario III, who lectured on basic concepts of establishing a business and strategies on book-keeping.

For the first part of the seminar, the participants were asked to identify their strengths and potentials thru an activity called “Knowing Thy Self”, a social preparation activity. Each participant presented their outputs which highlighted inspiring stories.

At the end of the training, participants came up with their respective business plans for their chosen livelihood. Approved business plans will be allocated with a grant of P20,000.00 for materials/equipment which will be used for the business. /END