Highlights from the 2024 Continuing Education Seminar for Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators
Malate, Manila – The National Conciliation and Mediation Board held the Continuing Education Seminar for Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators (CESAVA) 2024 at the Century Park Hotel in Malate, Manila. The annual seminar enhances and strengthens the knowledge and skills of the Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators (AVAs), ensuring that the quality service are provided to the clients of the Voluntary Arbitration (VA) Program.”
In her welcome message, Executive Director Lacsamana-Cancio assured the AVAs that they would always have the Board’s support, notwithstanding the criticisms directed towards the VA program. She continued, “Voluntary Arbitration would only go as far as we, the NCMB and you, the Voluntary Arbitrators, work together as partners. […]Through our shared principles, malayo po ang mararating ng Voluntary Arbitration. But if we’re going to stop here, if we’re not going to face the challenges thrown at us squarely, bravely, and courageously, hindi na susulong ang VA program.” Remembering the message of Undersecretary Bitonio in the previous CESAVA, she hoped that his words would remain with the AVAs. She concluded her message saying “Welcome to the many possibilities the VA program could have if we stay as one, fight as one and remain true to the values of VA and NCMB.”
The AVAs were in for a productive two-day seminar — from the concept of adopting gender-fair language in the conduct of voluntary arbitration as discussed by Ms. Kristine Anne Lee of the Philippine Commission on Women, to the discussion on the Employees’ Compensation Program as presented by Ms. Eunice De Guzman of the Employees’ Compensation Commission — the Seminar covered a variety of topics that can help in enhancing the AVAs knowledge and skills in carrying out their official functions. The participants engaged in an extensive debate regarding the key factors to consider in the revision of the VA Procedural Guidelines. Atty. Ligaya Lumbay, the resource person for the said topic, assured the AVAs that their input would not go unnoticed as their comments are valuable in assessing the revisions that ought to be made.
The PAVA Association Report was presented by AVA Carlo Pontico Fortuna, the current executive Vice President of the PAVA Board while AVA Romeo Garcia, the incumbent Director of the PAVA Board, discussed the topic on Incorporating Ethics into Everyday Practice: The Code of Professional Responsibility Revisited. In addition to providing the AVAs with an update on the activities of the PAVA, these subjects allowed them to have a discussion on the virtues that the AVAs should embody as labor justice advocates.
On the last day of the Seminar, the following topics were discussed: Shipboard Organization; Occupational Illnesses and Injuries for Workers in the Maritime Industry; and Latest Supreme Court Decisions on Seafarer Disability Claims. These topics were carefully selected by the Board as they cover some of the factors which could help the AVAs in drafting their decisions — circumstances and equipments in the ship which may cause the workers’ illness or disability; work-related illnesses or disabilities covered by the Employees’ Compensation Commission; and reference to ensure that the decision of the AVAs would not be reversed in case of submission for appeal to the higher courts.
In closing, Deputy Executive Director Teresita E. Audea conveyed the Board’s heartfelt gratitude to the AVAs for their continuous support and assistance in promoting labor justice. She expressed her optimism that the AVAs would stand by the Board as it enhances its policies and programs relating to voluntary Arbitration by always delivering high quality decisions .
End/Rosario Q. Mariano