The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed full support to the VA program and the new officers of the Philippine Association on Voluntary Arbitration, Inc. The officers’ oath taking ceremony was an eventful one as no less than Secretary Laguesma administered the solemn pledge of the officers to faithfully perform their duties and uphold the law at all times. He was joined by Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr., Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, Undersecretary Felipe N. Egargo, Jr., Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano, and Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Añover. Also present at the ceremony were NCMB officials Executive Director Maria Teresita D. Lacsamana-Cancio, Deputy Executive Director Teresita E. Audea, and OIC-Director Kim Marie M. Roque-Aquino.

In her welcome address, NCMB Executive Director Cancio acknowledged the pivotal role of the association in fostering a harmonious and equitable labor environment. She expressed her confidence in the new officers’ ability to uphold the highest standards of integrity and competence. Executive Director Cancio encouraged the new officers to continue making a positive impact in the field of voluntary arbitration.

In his address, Secretary Laguesma reflected on his tenure as the inaugural NCMB Administrator, highlighting his efforts to advance the Voluntary Arbitration program. He underscored the pivotal role of VA in solidifying the Philippines’ status as the global hub for maritime manpower and in fostering industrial harmony. Secretary Laguesma emphasized the imperative of aligning the association’s future endeavors with the vision of enhancing the credibility and caliber of decisions rendered by the Voluntary Arbitrators. He expressed his optimism that the new leaders of the association would actively champion Voluntary Arbitration as an alternative mechanism for resolving labor-management conflicts. Lastly, he reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Department to support PAVA, Inc. in its initiatives.

President Arnel Lajada of PAVA, Inc. extended his heartfelt gratitude to the DOLE Senior Officials. He pledged to take the necessary measures to instill discipline within their ranks and address the prevailing issues concerning the Voluntary Arbitrators. On behalf of the PAVA officers, he conveyed the association’s unwavering cooperation with the directives of the DOLE and the NCMB.

The new PAVA, Inc. officers are:

President: Arnel V. Lajada
Executive Vice President: Carlo Pontico C. Fortuna
Vice President for Metro Manila: Cenon Wesley P. Gacutan
Vice President for Luzon: Delia T. Uy
Vice President for Visayas: Manuel M. Monzon
Vice President for Mindanao: Rolando P. Aranas
Secretary: Vivien M. Lawansa
Treasurer: Rosa Maria T. Bautista
Auditor: Napoleon U. Trillanes
Public Relations Officer: Romeo D. Garcia
Board of Directors:
1. Levy Edwin C. Ang
2. Jack Lawrence R. Fortuno
3. Tomas B. Gorospe
4. Ben John B. Raneses
5. Manuel P. Legaspi

End/Jinky Mae I. Arquero