The National Conciliation and Mediation Board successfully organized the 2023 Continuing Education Seminar for Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators on August 30-31, 2023, at B Hotel in Quezon City. This seminar holds particular significance as it marks the first in-person CESAVA since the global pandemic began. The primary objective of this annual event is to enhance the knowledge of Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators (AVAs) by addressing topics directly related to their roles and responsibilities.

NCMB Executive Director Maria Teresita D. Lacsamana-Cancio warmly welcomed the participants, reaffirming the Board’s unwavering commitment to supporting and assisting AVAs. Distinguished officials from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also graced the occasion, demonstrating their dedication to the Voluntary Arbitration program and the roster of AVAs. Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano expressed his wholehearted support by encouraging participants to remain steadfast in fulfilling their mandates despite the emerging challenges faced by the program. Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. addressed the program’s challenges, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to overcome them and help promote VA as a viable and practical alternative mode of dispute resolution. He underscored the continuing education seminars, VA image rebuilding/rebranding program and enhanced management of the VA Program as some of the DOLE and NCMB initiatives in the pipeline.

To start the two-day learning session, Atty. Dominic Victor C. De Alban of the National Labor Relations Commission delivered an enlightening lecture on the latest Supreme Court decisions regarding seafarer disability claims. This lecture aimed to keep the participants well-informed about the recent guidelines and clarifications issued by the Supreme Court in resolving seafarer disability claims. Following this, former NLRC Commissioner Isabel G. Panganiban-Ortiguerra shared invaluable insights on effective decision-making. Her expertise aimed to enhance the participants’ attitudinal, legal, and communication skills in writing decisions.

To delve deeper into the complexities of decision-making, Prof. Leander P. Marquez from the esteemed UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy discussed the ethical dilemmas that often arise in this process. Through his presentation, Prof. Marquez offered different perspectives and lenses to resolve ethical challenges. Lastly, PAVA Outgoing President Josephus B. Jimenez provided an Association Report, shedding light on the latest developments within the organization. Additionally, he presented the top 10 landmark Supreme Court decisions on Voluntary Arbitration.

During the same event, PAVA successfully elected its new set of officers who will serve until 2025. This esteemed group of individuals will play crucial roles in leading and representing the organization:

– 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

Additionally, the Board of Directors consists of the following esteemed individuals:

1. Levy Edwin C. Ang
2. Jack Lawrence R. Fortuno
3. Tomas B. Gorospe
4. Ben John B. Raneses
5. Manuel P. Legaspi

Immediately after the elections, the newly elected officers were sworn into office by Executive Director Cancio.

Beyond providing a platform for AVAs to connect and enhance their knowledge, this event served as a vital means to communicate the Department’s and the Board’s goals and expectations. Simultaneously, it reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support and commitment to the AVAs.

end/Jinky Mae I. Arquero