Victims of Binaliw landfill disaster to get assistance

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment would provide assistance and other benefits to workers who died or were injured in the Binaliw landfill disaster in Cebu City last month, the DOLE said.

Under the DOLE employees’ compensation program, families of profiled and qualified deceased workers will receive death pensions, funeral benefits and immediate cash assistance.

Injured workers are entitled to sickness or disability benefits as well as reimbursement for medical expenses.

Kaima Via Velasquez, Employees Compensation Commission executive director, said the ECC is working closely with DOLE-Central Visayas, Social Security System and the private employer of the victims to fast-track the processing of claims.

“We have instructed our regional officer in Cebu to prioritize these cases and extend all possible assistance to the affected workers and their families,” Velasquez said in a statement.

Roy Buenafe, DOLE Central Visayas director, said the private employer has committed to settling all outstanding claims for victims and affected workers.

Buenafe added that the DOLE would provide livelihood and emergency employment to eligible victims under the Integrated Livelihood Program or the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program.

“Continued profiling and information-gathering activities are ongoing to ensure that services are promptly delivered to affected workers and their families,” DOLE said.