Quezon City – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) convened its corps of mediators, the conciliator-mediators and the mediator-arbiters, for a joint session aimed to further capacitate the group with relevant techniques, provide novel insights in handling labor disputes, and strengthen the ties between and among the case handlers. The session was held on 23 July 2024 at the Sequoia Hotel, Timog Avenue cor. Mother Ignacia Avenue, Quezon City.

Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma graced the event, along with Undersecretaries Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Jr., Benjo Santos Benavidez, Felipe Egargo, Jr., and Carmela Torres; as well as Assistant Secretaries Lennard Constantine Serrano, Paul Vincent Añover, Dominique Rubia-Tutay, and Warren Miclat.

DOLE-NCR Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol and NCMB Deputy Executive Director Teresita Audea took turns in welcoming the participants and guests to the event. Each highlighted the importance of the activity in initiating collective action among the case handlers. Both expressed hope that the joint session would enjoin all to maximize this opportunity and have a meaningful dialogue over the emerging challenges brought about by the evolving labor landscape.

Addressing the case officers, Secretary Laguesma emphasized the importance of upholding the highest standards of integrity and competence in the performance of duty. Only through this could the Department earn the respect and trust of its constituents.

“These values [integrity and competence] are the foundation of public trust and effective service,” emphasized the Labor Chief.

He further expressed continuous support in practicing lifelong learning as the world of work evolves.

A dialogue was held after Secretary Laguesma’s message, entertaining questions and encouraging suggestions, all relevant in the pursuit of improved service delivery.

Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio, Jr. led the entire afternoon session with the assistance of Labor Arbiter and Officer-in-Charge of the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) Maria Consuelo Bacay in discussing the Amended Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties and Deputy Executive Director Audea in facilitating the discussion and sharing on conciliation-mediation techniques of DOLE case handlers.

Undersecretary Bitonio identified several emerging challenges in the labor relations landscape and shared that these challenges would not be resolved by sticking to what is written in the books, but by harnessing one’s creativity and, of course, continuing learning from each other by sharing best practices.

The one-day joint session allowed the case officers to discuss their common issues and share the best practices in their craft, all in the hopes of contributing to the fulfillment of the Department’s mandate on promoting and maintaining industrial peace.

For more information about this article, you may email cmd_co@ncmb.gov.ph or call (02) 8252-6262 local 747.

END/ Eloisa Aquino