RCMB II Regional Branch Director Feliciano R. Orihuela, Jr., and Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Olisen L. Dizon, together with Sto. Tomas Technological International School Principal Ms. Vilma A. Buarag and staff, during the Plant-level Orientation Seminar (PLOS) on March 7, 2025

Sto. Tomas, Isabela – The Labor-Management Cooperation (LMC) and Grievance Machinery (GM) Committees of Sto. Tomas Technological International School were successfully established following the Plant-level Orientation Seminar (PLOS) on the programs of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) held on March 7, 2025.

The creation sparked from a casual conversation between Mr. Noel Caliguiran, Administrative Officer IV of the Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch II (RCMB II) and Ms. Princess Michelle Pua, Finance Officer and HR Staff of Sto. Tomas Technological International School (STTIS) during their commute to the office—an informal exchange that eventually led on to a series of meaningful discussions about the programs and their potential benefits to the institution.

During the PLOS, RCMB II Regional Branch Director Feliciano R. Orihuela, Jr. provided an insightful overview of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and NCMB. He emphasized how these agencies play crucial roles in fostering industrial peace and ensuring fair treatment for both labor and management. Director Orihuela highlighted that the various programs offered by the NCMB are essential tools for addressing workplace concerns before they escalate into full-blown disputes. This proactive approach underlines the importance of open dialogue and collaboration in maintaining harmonious workplace relations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Olisen Dizon, Supervising Labor and Employment Officer of the Branch, provided a comprehensive discussion on the LMC and GM programs, emphasizing their vital role in promoting bipartite cooperation. He encouraged participants to establish strong communication channels between employees and management to maintain a harmonious workplace. Mr. Dizon also emphasized how GM serves as a structured process for the early resolution of disputes, helping prevent minor issues from escalating into formal cases. 

During the open forum, several participants raised questions on the existence of employer-employee relationships. Mr. Dizon explained that such relationships are assessed using the four-fold test, which considers four key factors: (a) the employer’s selection and engagement of the employee; (b) the payment of wages; (c) the employer’s power to dismiss; and (d) the employer’s power to control the employee’s conduct. He also clarified the guidelines on the probationary period for teachers and emphasized that statutory benefits under General Labor Standards are mandatory and non-negotiable.

Following the orientation, STTIS formally established its LMC and GM Committees. This move aims to enhance their internal mechanisms for resolving disputes and fostering workplace cooperation. The school principal, Ms. Vilma Buraga, expressed her appreciation for the RCMB II visit, stating, “We never experienced such a personal presence from a government agency before.” She emphasized that the visit helped clarify many important matters for the school.

The event marked a significant step toward fostering industrial peace within the institution, ensuring that concerns are promptly and fairly addressed through established communication channels. Remarkably, this journey began with a simple conversation during a van ride—highlighting the power of open communication in creating meaningful change toward an improved workplace dispute resolution.

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