TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN — August 25–26, 2026. — The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region II, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Cagayan, successfully conducted a Pre-Accreditation Training for Conciliators-Mediators at the Taj Hotel, Tuguegarao City, bringing together 32 cooperative members representing 16 cooperatives from the province.
Anchored on the theme “Facilitating Peaceful Resolutions, Building Stronger Communities,” the two-day training aimed to enhance the participants’ knowledge, skills, and competencies in mediation and conciliation, particularly in addressing and resolving conflicts within the cooperative sector.
The training was initiated by Mr. Christopher Coral, Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer for the Province of Cagayan, through the collaborative efforts with CDA Region II. The partnership demonstrates the institutions’ shared commitment to strengthening the capacity of cooperatives to manage disputes through constructive dialogue, peaceful negotiation, and appropriate conflict-resolution mechanisms.
The training covered a series of comprehensive discussions on the fundamental concepts, principles, ethical considerations, conflict analysis, and processes involved in mediation and conciliation.
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Introduction to Mediation and Conciliation was facilitated by Ms. Ivonne A. Paredes, who provided participants with an overview of the fundamental concepts, principles, and significance of mediation and conciliation. The discussion emphasized the value of dialogue and collaborative approaches in resolving disputes and maintaining harmonious relationships among cooperative members.
She also discussed on the roles, responsibilities, and essential attributes of an effective mediator, particularly neutrality, impartiality, active listening, effective communication, and the responsibility to facilitate a fair and constructive process without imposing decisions on the parties.
Ethics in Mediation and Conciliation and Anatomy and Analysis of Conflict were facilitated by Atty. Nita Doreen L. Maestre-Tabbu. The discussions underscored the importance of ethical conduct, confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism in mediation and conciliation.
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Participants were likewise guided in understanding the underlying causes, elements, and dynamics of conflict to enable them to appropriately assess disputes and identify suitable approaches to conflict resolution.
Fundamentals of Mediation and Stages of Mediation were discussed by Mr. Paul Battung. The sessions provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the mediation process, including its fundamental principles and the various stages involved in assisting disputing parties toward mutually acceptable and sustainable resolutions.
The training culminated in a Simulation and Skills Assessment, jointly facilitated by Ms. Ivonne A. Paredes, Atty. Nita Doreen L. Maestre-Tabbu, and Mr. Paul Battung.
Participants were organized according to their respective cooperatives and engaged in practical simulation exercises designed to apply the concepts, principles, and techniques discussed during the training.
During the simulation, participants were given the opportunity to demonstrate their communication, active listening, facilitation, conflict-analysis, and problem-solving skills. The three facilitators closely guided each cooperative, provided technical inputs, and offered constructive feedback to further enhance the participants’ competence and confidence in handling actual mediation and conciliation situations.
The successful conduct of the Pre-Accreditation Training represents a significant step toward developing a pool of competent and ethical conciliators-mediators within the cooperative sector.
Through continuous capacity building, cooperative members are better equipped to address disputes constructively, preserve organizational relationships, and promote a culture of dialogue, understanding, and peaceful resolution.
The CDA Region II, together with the Provincial Government of Cagayan, remains committed to empowering cooperatives through programs that strengthen their institutional capacity and promote effective mechanisms for conflict management and resolution.
Ultimately, the initiative contributes to the development of stronger, more harmonious, and resilient cooperative communities, in keeping with the guiding principle of the activity:
“Facilitating Peaceful Resolutions, Building Stronger Communities.”
