ECC Extends Compensation to Workers Impacted by Cebu Landfill Tragedy
In the aftermath of the devastating landslide at the Binaliw Sanitary Landfill in Cebu City, the Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) has announced it will provide crucial assistance to affected workers and their families. The tragic incident, which occurred on January 8, 2026, resulted in significant loss of life and injuries, prompting immediate government response.
Immediate Assistance for Victims and Families
According to a statement released by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the ECC is prioritizing cases related to the landfill collapse. ECC Executive Director Atty. Kaima Velasquez emphasized that the commission has instructed its regional officer in Cebu to expedite all possible assistance. This includes comprehensive support for both injured workers and families of deceased employees who were working at the facility when the disaster struck.
Benefits Available Under the Employees' Compensation Program
The Employees' Compensation (EC) Program offers multiple forms of support for qualified beneficiaries. For families of deceased workers, benefits include:
- Death pensions to provide ongoing financial stability
- Funeral benefits to cover burial expenses
- Immediate cash assistance for urgent needs
Injured workers, on the other hand, may access:
- Sickness benefits during recovery periods
- Disability benefits for long-term impacts
- Reimbursement for medical expenses incurred
Ongoing Profiling and Assessment Activities
DOLE confirmed that the ECC is currently conducting profiling activities in the affected area to determine the exact number of eligible beneficiaries. "Continued profiling and information-gathering activities are ongoing to ensure that services are promptly delivered to affected workers and their families," the department stated. This systematic approach aims to identify all workers who qualify for compensation under the program.
Background of the Binaliw Landfill Disaster
The collapse of the Binaliw Sanitary Landfill on January 8, 2026, has had severe consequences. Official reports indicate the tragedy claimed 36 lives and left 18 individuals injured. Rescue operations have been ongoing since the incident, with workers clearing steel beams and debris from the rubble to facilitate search, rescue, and retrieval efforts for missing victims. The disaster has highlighted critical safety concerns regarding waste management facilities in urban areas.
The ECC's intervention represents a significant step toward providing financial relief and support to those most affected by this industrial accident. As recovery efforts continue, government agencies remain focused on delivering essential services to help workers and families rebuild their lives in the wake of this tragedy.
