𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬, 𝐁𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐚𝐧 – The Municipal Cooperative Development Office (MCDO) of Mariveles, in partnership with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region 3 Extension Office, recently took a proactive step to strengthen the local cooperative sector. They hosted a two-day Conflict Management Training for Cooperative Mediation Practitioners on July 30 and 31, 2025, at the MCDO Office in Barangay Camaya, Mariveles, Bataan.

A total of 54 participants from 25 local cooperatives attended the full-day sessions, which were designed to provide essential dispute resolution and mediation skills. The attendees, primarily members of Conciliation Mediation Committees (ConMedCom), Ethics Committees, and Boards of Directors, gained a deeper understanding of how to manage and resolve intra-cooperative disputes, which is crucial for fostering harmony and strong relationships among members and officers.

The preliminary program was graced by Mr. Rolando Cruz, Municipal Cooperatives Officer of Mariveles. It was followed by the lecture session wherein Ms. Marichris Lanorio (Batch 1) and Ms. Ana May Doctolera (Batch 2), both CDS II, led the discussion on the fundamentals of conflict management. Their lectures covered the importance of conciliation-mediation, the vital role of ConMedComs in creating dispute resolution policies, and the proper procedures for handling ConMed proceedings.

Adding to the theoretical knowledge, Atty. Macy N. Marcelo, Attorney III, presented a module on the role of the mediator. She provided expert insights on various approaches to conflict, the essential responsibilities of a mediator, and practical tools and techniques for effective resolution. This segment was particularly important for refining the participants’ skills and building their confidence.

A key highlight of the training was the simulation of a mediation-conciliation process. This hands-on exercise gave participants a sample issue to resolve, allowing them to immediately apply their new skills and techniques in a practical setting. This crucial experience ensured the training was both informative and highly effective.

This training through the MCDO’s initiative marks a significant step forward for the cooperative community in Mariveles. By empowering cooperative leaders with these essential skills, the MCDO and CDA are fostering stronger internal governance and ensuring that cooperatives are well-equipped to navigate disputes and reach amicable settlements.

#conflict #resolution #conciliation-mediation