Met ro Manila – As a fitting 2022-year opener, the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) celebrated its 34th Founding Anniversary last 04 January 2022 both via physical and Zoom platform. With the theme “Sama-samang naglilingkod sa bayan upang ang mga pagsubok ay mapagtagumpayan”, the event celebrated the unwavering commitment of NCMB to provide excellent services to its clientele despite challenges brought upon by the pandemic. The event was attended by Central Office and Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branches’ (RCMBs) officials and personnel nationwide. The presence of no less than the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” H. Bello III made the occasion more significant and meaningful. Other guests include the first NCMB Administrator and former DOLE Secretary Atty. Bienvenido E. Laguesma, former NCMB Executive Director and current OWWA Administrator Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac, former NCMB Executive Director Atty. Romeo A. Young, former DOLE Undersecretary and Incumbent PAVA President Atty. Josephus B. Jimenez, and the President of Maritime Voluntary Arbitrators Association Inc. Atty. Arnel Dolendo.

As has always been the tradition, the celebration kicked off with a thanksgiving
mass officiated by Father Virgilio Ojoy, OP. In his homily, Fr. Ojoy acknowledged the importance of NCMB services especially at this time of great difficulties as he wished the Board more fruitful and meaningful years of service to workers and management.

Executive Director Maria Teresita D. Lacsamana-Cancio, in her anniversary message welcomed the attendees. “Let’s celebrate our 34 fruitful years with our people, past and present, the young and vibrant and the not so young but who continue to shine. Together as one, let us conquer the obstacles and render excellent service to our clients at all times”, ED Cancio said. She admitted that “work at the NCMB is difficult as every one of us must always be on our toes to pull off and score a win for both the workers and the management”. She reminded everyone to secure “a win not for either party but a win for both parties always”.

To showcase the history of the Board, a video documentation was presented during the program. It highlighted the vision, mission, accomplishments, awards, as well as the programs and services of the Board in helping workers and employers address and resolve their issues and concerns to achieve harmonious labor-management relations and industrial peace.

Labor and Employment Secretary Bello also expressed his thanks and congratulated the NCMB for its anniversary celebration through his inspirational message. “Thirty four long years of fixing problems between the employers and workers to maintain industrial peace in the country is indeed a great feat worthy of recognition. This was made possible through the dedication and commitment of all officials and staff of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board.” he said. Some of the event’s special guests also gave their messages to the audience – congratulating the Board for its 34th anniversary celebration.