Metro Manila – Senior officials and staff of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) from across the country convened in Iloilo province last 10-14 July 2023 to revisit the strategies implemented, as well as issues and challenges encountered in program implementation for the first semester of 2023 in preparation for the 2023 DOLE-Wide Mid-Year Performance Assessment and Re-Planning Exercise.

Executive Director Maria Teresita Lacsamana-Cancio emphasized that the agenda for the conduct of the activity is the review of strategies identified during the Year-End Performance Assessment conducted last January and areas for improvement of these strategies. This is to ensure the accessibility of the Board’s programs to its stakeholders and clients. “We are always aiming for improved delivery of services, not only for the sake of achieving our targets, but out of our passion in helping our clients. This is how much we value them.”, Exec. Director Cancio said during the activity. “In everything that we do, it is always for the sake of our clients.” she added.

Several issues and challenges as well as strategies to address the problems affecting program implementations were presented and discussed by the Regional Branch Directors during the activity. Physical and financial accomplishments were also presented to determine the next steps that each regional branch will undertake for the remaining months of the year. The activity also served as an avenue for the discussion of the administrative and financial concerns of the Regional Branches.
Part of the Board’s commitment under its Organizational Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR) is the revision of the learning modules being presented during Plant-level Orientation Seminars (PLOS) and Area-wide Seminars (AWS) to companies. Updates on the review of learning modules on labor-management cooperation, conciliation-mediation, grievance machinery, and voluntary arbitration were presented and discussed during the 5-day activity.

In her way forward, Deputy Executive Director Maria Cristina Mangaliman emphasized the importance of constantly monitoring their respective commitments and reiterated that the strategies will help them achieve their objectives. “We in the Central Office will always be there to help and provide assistance in all your endeavors in attaining your goals”, DED Mangaliman said in her closing remarks.

Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch VI headed by OIC-Director Rene Sabornido cordially welcomed the participants and introduced the battle cry of Region VI – Bato [Fight] NCMB! The participants were able to get a fair share of the Ilonggo hospitality with the warm treatment and assistance provided by OIC-Director Sabornido during the conduct of this year’s activity.

“Bato, NCMB!”

END/ianne r. go