Participants from RCMBs I, II, and CAR—also known as the Northern Luzon Cluster—during their Team Enhancement Exercise at Mabisil-Payag-eo in Sagada, Mountain Province last June 9-11, 2025

Baguio City – A three-day joint activity participated in by employees from Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branches (RCMBs) CAR, I, and II was conducted from June 9 to 11, 2025 at Blue Mountain Hotel in Mabisil-Payag-eo, Sagada, Mountain Province. The activity aimed at enhancing employee performance and skills, fostering teamwork, and promoting shared commitment to organizational goals of the Northern Luzon Cluster. The annual Team Enhancement Exercise (TEE) forms part of the Board’s Staff Development Training (SDT) program, advancing both individual growth and overall organizational success through continuous learning and collaboration.

This year, the focus of the three-day activity was to enhance both the technical and interpersonal skills of employees, while promoting gender sensitivity, environmental responsibility, and professional work-life balance. Additionally, the program was designed to equip employees for future responsibilities as part of the Board’s Succession Plan.

A highlight of the activity was a lecture by Supervising Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) Olisen Dizon, who delivered an insightful lecture on Gender and Development. He emphasized the importance of understanding and redefining traditional gender roles, breaking limiting norms, and embracing gender equality in the workplace. The learning session was further enriched by a compelling video on Violence Against Women and Children, which deepened the participants’ awareness of gender-related issues and underscored the importance of integrating gender perspectives into the branches’ programs and initiatives.

Interactive team-building activities were conducted to foster collaboration, trust, and communication within and across the participating regional branches.

RCMB-I facilitated “Rugyak, Palpasek” and “Puzzle Game,” which emphasized resilience and interpersonal relationships while RCMB-II led “The Mine Field” and “Magic Stick,” focusing on problem-solving and teamwork. Lastly, RCMB-CAR organized the activities entitled “Threads of Connection” and “Flowing Unity,” which cultivated empathy and mutual support.

Attendees of the Northern Luzon Cluster TEE enjoy the outdoors as well in various activities that incite both fun and environmental awareness.

Environmental awareness was also a core focus, as demonstrated through a nature trip that included a trash collection drive en route to the iconic Blue Soil Hills. Employees actively participated in the clean-up effort, fostering a sense of collective responsibility toward environmental preservation.

The combined workshops, interactive group dynamics, and environmental activities effectively fulfilled the objectives of the TEE. They enhanced individual competencies, built stronger interpersonal relationships, and advanced gender equality and environmental awareness among the employees.

The event also promoted professionalism and work-life balance while deepening the participants’ commitment to the organization’s broader goals. The event concluded with the employees better equipped to collaborate effectively, uphold inclusive values, and contribute positively to their respective branches and to the broader goals of organization in pursuit of service excellence. end/imr