Strengthening Conflict Resolution: RCMB III and CDA EO III Conduct Conciliation-Mediation Training for CDA Personnel on March 6, 2025 at the CDA Regional Office in Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

City of San Fernando, Pampanga— In continuing efforts to strengthen workplace harmony and promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch III (RCMB III), in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority Extension Office III (CDA EO III) successfully conducted a comprehensive training on conciliation-mediation for over 40 CDA personnel. Held at CDA Regional Office in Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga on March 6, 2025, the capacity building was led by RCMB III Regional Director Othello B. Tongio, Jr along with RCMB-III Conciliator-Mediators Rico Babalcon and Allan Tolentino. The training aimed to equip CDA staff with the necessary skills to effectively manage and resolve workplace disputes in the cooperative sector.

Regional Branch Director Tongio focused on conciliation-mediation skills and techniques, emphasizing the importance of active listening, building rapport, and addressing issues one at a time to encourage cooperative problem-solving. He also shared successful mediation cases, showcasing best practices in dispute resolution that are applicable to cooperative-related conflicts. 

“Effective conciliation and mediation require patience, impartiality, and the ability to guide parties toward a mutually acceptable resolution. By strengthening these skills, we empower CDA personnel to foster harmony within the cooperative sector,” Director Tongio emphasized.

Meanwhile, Conciliator-Mediator Babalcon delivered an in-depth discussion on the conciliation-mediation process, outlining its stages from preparation to agreement. He highlighted the role of neutrality, confidentiality, and voluntary participation in promoting effective and sustainable dispute resolution.

On the other hand, Conciliator-Mediator Tolentino framed his discussion on conflict resolution skills, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, de-escalation strategies, and interest-based negotiation. He guided participants through practical approaches for managing high-tension situations and reaching mutually beneficial agreements. Mr. Tolentino also highlighted the key qualities to become an effective conciliator-mediator, reinforcing the value of empathy, patience, and clear communication.

In her welcome remarks, CDA EO III Regional Director Marieta Hwang emphasized the significance of the training, noting that it aims to strengthen the skills of CDA personnel in managing disputes among cooperatives in the region.

CDA personnel actively participate in a mock conciliation-mediation workshop, applying essential mediation skills and techniques in real-time to enhance their conflict resolution capabilities.

The afternoon session featured a mock conciliation-mediation exercise where participants who were divided into two groups applied the concepts and techniques discussed earlier. This hands-on activity allowed them to experience the conciliation-mediation process in a controlled setting. Following the exercise, an open forum, led by CDA Legal Officer Atty. Macy Marcelo, provided participants an opportunity to clarify concerns and discuss best practices in conciliation-mediation.

The partnership between RCMB III and CDA EO III is a result of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed last May 13, 2024, reflecting their shared commitment to expanding programs that support and strengthen cooperatives across Region III.

Related article: https://rcmb3.ncmb.gov.ph/rcmb-iii-partners-with-cda-riii-to-boost-cooperative-development-and-industrial-harmony-in-region-3/ 

To conclude the activity, CDA EO III Assistant Regional Director Carolina M. Miguel expressed her gratitude to RCMB III and highlighted the potential for advanced training opportunities in the future.

The activity forms part of the Department’s thrust to promote Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms such as conciliation and mediation as constructive approaches to addressing labor disputes and concerns in the workplace. By enhancing the conflict resolution capacity of CDA personnel, the initiative aims to ensure a more harmonious and productive cooperative environment across the region.

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