Davao City – Themed “Fostering a Secure, Healthy, and Collaborative Workplace towards Organizational Excellence,” the Mindanao Cluster Convention on LMC was held at the Grand Regal Hotel, Davao City on 17 October 2024. Completing this year’s line-up of Cluster LMC Conventions, the event was a joint undertaking of the Philippine League of Labor-Management Cooperation Practitioners, Inc. (PHILAMCOP) and the Mindanao Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branches.

A total of 378 delegates from the management and labor sectors representing 146 companies attended the event, along with the Mindanao Cluster Regional Branch Directors and NCMB Central Office officials.

PHILAMCOP President Dr. Gina Fe G. Israel welcomed and extended her profound thanks to the delegates. “Coming here is a manifestation of the management and employees’ commitment to sustain and continue embracing LMC as a mechanism towards productivity and excellent performance,” she emphasized.

Region XI Branch Director Gerie D. Lampitco likewise expressed his sincere gratitude for the overwhelming turnout of participants. “I am delighted that we are gathered here today to promote secure, healthy, and collaborative workplaces, moving us towards organizational excellence. This Convention is a platform for us to reflect on the importance of engaging in fruitful discussions that prioritize one’s well-being and partnership at work,” he enthused.

In her message of support, Deputy Executive Director IV Teresita E. Audea highlighted the long-standing and enduring partnership between the NCMB and PILAMCOP and the strong ties that bind them through the years: “The Board has always been supportive of the PHILAMCOP and their endeavors in sustaining and advancing healthy industrial relations climate towards economic growth and stability. The Board believes that conventions like this can ignite the enthusiasm of labor and management representatives to discover new and emerging trends in keeping up with the times,” she said.

Atty. Connie Beb A. Toralba, Mediator-Arbiter of the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office XI, discussed “LMC: Promoting Safe and Secure Working Environment for All Workers.” She highlighted that safe and secure workplaces retain promising talents, improve productivity, reduce workplace accidents/fatalities, and promote long-term sustainability.

The second speaker, Mr. Teofilo Limikid, Executive Manager of the Philippine Mental Health Davao Association, Inc., talked about “Mind-Body Wellness: Cultivating a Healthier and More Productive Work Environment.” He focused on maintaining stable mental health to work productively and fruitfully and make positive contributions to the community.

Mr. Ronnie V. Amorado, Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Mindanao, concluded the learning sessions. He lectured on “Elevating Organizational Performance Through Synergy and Collaboration.” He introduced emerging practical tips on leadership based on a peripatetic lens and taught lessons on basic leadership, management, and administrative competencies required of professionals.

Between sessions, the LMC best practices of the two awardees in the 2023 Search for Outstanding LMC were featured. Representatives from the winning companies, Tagum Agricultural Development Company, Inc. (TADECO) and Apex Mining Co. Inc. (AMCI), Ms. Vermilyn Bilog and Ms. Marigold Baltazar, respectively, shared their experiences and best practices that hailed them as National Winners. They encouraged companies to live by the principle of LMC, elaborating on how LMCs helped them to communicate more effectively and strengthen work relationships resulting in a more productive working environment.

Wrapping up the Convention, PHILAMCOP Board Member Urchielyn Basalio expressed her appreciation to the delegates for their support and active participation in the learning sessions. Ms. Basalio also happily announced that the Mindanao Cluster Convention garnered the highest number of attendees compared to the Luzon and Visayas Cluster Conventions, for which the PHILAMCOP and NCMB were genuinely grateful. She capped off her closing remarks by inviting everyone to attend the 14th National Convention on LMC in November 2025 in Iloilo City.

For more information about this article, email wred_co@ncmb.gov.ph or call (02) 8252-6262, local 745.

END/ Mary Khryz Maxine Laxina