The Cooperative Development Authority Region III Extension Office (CDA R3), through the initiative of the Olongapo City Cooperative Development Council (OCCDC) successfully conducted a 2-day Conciliation-Mediation Training on May 8-9, 2025, at the FMA Hall in Olongapo City.
The training aimed to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills in conciliation and mediation, crucial processes for resolving conflicts and disputes amicably within cooperatives. This initiative is vital for fostering a harmonious environment, ensuring that intra-cooperative disputes are addressed efficiently and fairly, thereby strengthening the Mediation Conciliation Committees within the Cooperatives in Olongapo City.
The two-day program covered various essential topics such as:
Module 1: Introduction/Background
Module 2: The Mediator
Module 3: Ethics in Mediation and Conciliation
Module 6: Stages of Mediation
Module 7: Simulation and Skills Assessment
Ms. Jennilyn A. Adajar delivered the introductory lecture on conciliation and mediation, covering its background and key concepts.
The session continued with Atty. Macy N. Marcelo’s lecture, which focused on the roles and responsibilities of conciliator-mediators and effective communication and negotiation techniques.
The second-day lecture-discussion begins with the topic on Ethics on Mediation-Conciliation discussed by Ms. Ana May Doctolera.
To briefly assess participant learning, Atty. Marcelo presented the Stages of Mediation. This was followed by a facilitated simulation of Mediation-Conciliation Proceedings involving selected participants.
In this exercise, a given scenario was enacted by different actors, with a chosen participant serving as the ConMed Facilitator. The simulation concluded with participants and the resource person offering observations and feedback to identify and address areas for improvement.
The training was attended by sixty-eight representatives from sixteen cooperatives in Olongapo City, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms within the cooperative sector.
Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, participants gained valuable insights into applying conciliation and mediation techniques in actual scenarios. The training emphasized the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, and voluntary participation in the dispute resolution process.
The completion of this training demonstrates CDA Region III and OCCDC’s dedication to effective cooperative conflict management. Newly trained conciliator-mediators are encouraged to complete the remaining online webinar modules: Anatomy and Analysis of Conflict and Fundamentals of Mediation. Completing these will allow them to apply for accreditation as CDA ConMed Facilitators.
