Officials of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board from the Central Office and its Regional branches gathered at Butuan City for the Board’s First Directors’ Meeting to discuss key policy directions, concerns, and updates. (Photo by: Eloisa Aquino)

Butuan City – Key policy directions, administrative and financial concerns, and updates on various programs and guidelines were discussed last February 10 to 12, 2025 during the Board’s First Quarter Directors’ Meeting at Butuan City, CARAGA. The event, hosted by Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch CARAGA (RCMB-CARAGA), brought together Central Office officials, led by Executive Director Teresita D. Lacsamana-Cancio, and Regional Directors from across the country.

RCMB-CARAGA Officer-in-Charge Ronabeth Cabañas welcomed participants to Butuan City, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to host such a gathering. She set the tone for the event by inviting everyone to not only engage in meaningful discussions but also to experience the hospitality and charm of the city.

Executive Director Lacsamana-Cancio outlined the Board’s priorities for the current year, emphasizing enhanced conciliation-mediation services, strengthened Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and proactive labor-management relations. The NCMB Head also stressed the need for data-driven decision-making, capacity-building initiatives, and closer collaboration with social partners to sustain industrial peace.

Meanwhile, Chief Ericson Igual of CMD presented a status report on pending conciliation-mediation cases across various regions, which was then followed by Regional Branch Directors providing detailed updates on their respective cases, and outlining the proactive measures taken to facilitate resolution.

In response, ED Cancio laid out key strategies aimed at expediting case resolution, reiterating efficiency and fairness in the process. Several Regional Branch Directors also shared best practices from their respective offices, showcasing innovative approaches to tackling complex labor disputes. This initiative is in line with the Department of Labor and Employment’s thrust of reducing backlog in labor cases.

The session reinforced the Board’s commitment to fostering industrial peace by ensuring swift, impartial, and effective resolution of labor concerns—highlighting a collective effort to enhance the conciliation-mediation framework across regions.

Streamlining management of Single Entry Approach Requests for Assistance (RFA)

Following the recent signing of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations for Single Entry Approach (SEnA) program last February 7, 2025, Technical Services Deputy Executive Director Teresita Audea oriented the attendees with the new features of Department Order No. 249 or #SENARules, aligning regional branches with updated labor policies and their impact on conciliation-mediation practices.

Related Article: https://ncmb.gov.ph/bagong-regulasyon-para-sa-sena-pinirmahan-na/ 

As a significant achievement, Audea emphasized that the updated IRR is designed to enhance the quality of dispute resolution services for the Filipino workforce, ensuring greater access to labor justice for employed Filipino workers. This also expands access to conciliation-mediation services through the SEnA program nationwide.

A comprehensive overview of the features of DOLE Assistance for Request Management System (ARMS) was also presented by OIC-Chief Ianne Go during the 3-day activity. The DOLE ARMS is the new information system launched by the Department as part of its digitalization plan to streamline labor dispute management processes and bring its services closer to the public.

He underscored the agency’s commitment to continuously improve ARMS to expedite case resolution, promote transparency, and strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms in the labor sector.

Finals and Farewells

The quarterly meeting also served as a venue for the send-off program of Dir. Ma. Theresa Francisco as she concluded her 22 years of government service. 

Attended by DOLE officials, led by Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., Dir. Francisco expressed her gratitude for the learning opportunities and meaningful experiences throughout her career. “To all who have been part of this journey, you have been God’s instruments, guiding me to where I am meant to be,” the former Director shared.

Concluding the quarterly meeting, Deputy Executive Director Maria Cristina O. Mangaliman discussed administrative and financial issues, including strategies for budget optimization, fiscal discipline, and financial accountability.  The Internal Services Department Head provided updates on the successful procurement of new vehicles, issuance of  Notice of Salary Adjustments, and new guidelines on the Communication Expense Allowances, among others. DED Mangaliman also announced the agency’s eligibility for the CY 2023 Performance-Based Bonus, as evident in the agency’s achievement in multiple criteria, particularly its Performance, Financial and Client Satisfaction results, reflecting the Board’s continuous commitment to provide excellent quality services. 

The 2025 NCMB First Quarter Directors’ Meeting reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to promoting industrial peace through proactive conciliation-mediation strategies, improved labor-management cooperation, and enhanced provision of services. 

As the year unfolds, NCMB remains steadfast in its mission to foster harmonious workplace relations, ensuring a stable and productive labor environment for all.

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