Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. A three-day Conflict Management Training and Orientation on the Organization of Cooperative Union was successfully conducted last January 14-16, 2026, bringing together cooperative leaders, Mediation-Committee members and other stakeholders to promote dispute resolution, conflict management and strengthen access to justice at the grassroots level; and, the organization of union of cooperatives in Urdaneta City.
The training-orientation, held at the AVR, Urdaneta City Hall, aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills in mediation and conciliation as effective and non-adversarial mechanism of managing conflicts and resolving disputes; and to create union of cooperatives in Urdaneta City. Organized by CDA Region I Extension Office (CDA R1) in partnership with City Agriculture Office, City Government of Urdaneta and City Cooperative Office, the said training-orientation formed part of the ongoing effort to foster harmony, empower the cooperatives to settle conflicts amicably, capacitate cooperative leaders and strengthen cooperative sector in the city through the organization of union.
Throughout the three-day training-orientation, participants engaged in interactive lectures. workshop, role-playing exercises and mock session to simulate real-life conflict scenarios encountered in the cooperatives.
On the first day, City Agriculture Office OIC City Agriculturist Alexander Mateo welcomed the participants through inspiring remarks. The rationale of the activity was mentioned in the short message of CDA R1 Assistant Regional Director Edilberto G. Unson. Subsequently, discussion focused on CDA Memorandum Circular 2020-23 with the subject Guidelines Governing the Registration and Operation of Cooperative Unions ensued with CDS II Walter Mendoza as resource speaker. Thereafter, CDA R1 Legal Officer Atty. Katherine F. Ellorin introduced to the cooperative sector the CDA as An Agency through presentation of the agency’s mandate; vision and mission; powers under RA 11364; programs, activities and projects; services and legal processes under the Omnibus Rules of Procedure; and, partnerships with different government agencies for the implementation of the cooperative development programs.
The highlights of the discussion were the Anatomy of Conflicts and the Introduction to Mediation – Conciliation, including the legal bases, elements, ethical standards, qualities and role of mediators as neutral facilitators. Atty. Ellorin emphasized the importance of voluntary participation, confidentiality and impartiality in achieving a fair negotiated agreement.
On the second day, Atty. Ellorin focused the discussion on the different Stages of Mediation. After which, CRITS Head Sr CDS Filipina Porio explained the functions and responsibilities of the cooperative Mediation and Conciliation Committee and the process of mediation in the cooperative level.
The third day underscored the organization of the Urdaneta City Cooperative Union which was presided by Supervising Agriculturist Atty. Lily Tadeo. The participating cooperatives likewise elected the interim Board of Directors, their Chairperson and other officers of the union.
Further, during the conduct of practical skills development in the afternoon, participants took part in the mock mediation sessions, allowing them to apply the learned techniques and receive feedbacks from the facilitators. These activities helped build confidence and competence in the handling of disputes in the cooperative.
The three-day training-orientation was praised for its practical approach and collaborative atmosphere. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to enhance their skills and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving conflicts through mediation, amicable settlement and mutual respect.
This initiative reflects the CDA and its partners City Agriculture Office, City Government of Urdaneta and Cooperative Development Office’s continued dedication to strengthening the cooperative mediation mechanism and promoting a culture of cooperativism through the organization of cooperative union in Urdaneta City.
Prepared by:
Atty. Katherine F. Ellorin, Legal Officer
Edgar Ibuan, CDS I
