The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region III Extension Office, through the Philippine Federation of Credit Cooperatives Central Luzon Region League (PFFCO-CLRL) and Bulacan Union of Cooperatives (BUC), conducted a 24-hour Comprehensive Conciliation-Mediation Training on October 22-24, 2024 at Lolo Kiko’s Restaurant, Brgy. Mabolo, City of Malolos, Bulacan. The event was participated by 40 cooperative leaders and representatives from various parts of Region III, and key representatives from the PFFCO-CLRL and BUC. Three (3) agricultural cooperatives were among the participants who actively joined the forum, this includes the (1) Golden Field Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, (2) Manatal Multipurpose Cooperative, and (3) San Pablo Multipurpose Cooperative.

𝑂𝑝𝑒𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑜𝑛𝑦

The training course started with a prayer led by a PFCCO-CLRL representative, followed by the singing of Philippine National Anthem and oath of the Cooperative Pledge. The guests, resource speakers, and participants who attended the training were then welcomed by Ms. Pelicula Rapanut – Bagong Barrio Multipurpose Cooperative General Manager, through her opening message. Afterwards, Atty. Macy Marcelo, Attorney III – CDA Region III Extension Office, discussed the background and the objective of the training.

Specifically, the course aimed to enable and capacitate the members of the Board, Mediation and Conciliation Committee and other relevant officers in integrating and installing conflict and mediation management programs in the cooperative and in providing a foundation of understanding and practice to enhance their conflict resolution/mediation skills.

𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟

Before the lecture discussion started, Ms. Jennilyn Adajar, Cooperatives Development Specialist II-CDA Region III Extension Office, administered the pre-test to gauge the participants’ knowledge on conciliation-mediation prior the course. Results showed that the participants have a very limited knowledge on conciliation-mediation, with a median score of 5/20.

𝐿𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟

Module 1: Introduction/Background

Atty. Marcelo outlined the legal framework for resolving disputes in cooperatives, based on Republic Act No. 9520 and the Omnibus Rules of Procedure. She discussed that the Conciliation-Mediation Committee (ConMedCom), composed of at least three elected members, facilitates amicable settlements among officers and members. She also detailed the mediation procedures, including filing complaints and ensuring confidentiality. Atty. Marcelo also emphasized that certain disputes, particularly those involving legal violations or criminal matters, are excluded from mediation.

Module 2: The Mediator

Atty. Marcelo’s discussion on Module 2 focused on the mediator’s role in conflict resolution, covering key mediation approaches (rights-based, interest-based, values-based) and styles (facilitative, evaluative, transformative).

Atty. Marcelo also mentioned the mediator’s responsibilities, including the diagnosing of conflicts, facilitating communication, and managing the mediation process. Practical tools were also shared, involving active-listening, setting a respectful tone, and establishing ground rules. Atty. Marcelo further emphasized the importance of understanding power dynamics and addressing imbalances to ensure equitable outcomes.

Module 3: Ethics in Mediation and Conciliation

In Module 3, Atty. Marcelo emphasized the vital role of ethics in mediation and conciliation, detailing the responsibilities of mediators toward the parties involved, the process itself, their peers, organizations, and the public.

She mentioned that mediators must ensure voluntary participation, informed consent, and assist parties in making principled decisions. Atty. Marcelo also highlighted that mediators bear the responsibility for maintaining a participatory and neutral mediation process while managing conflicts of interest.

Furthermore, Atty. Marcelo discussed the importance of considering the public interest, ensuring that mediators contribute positively to society. Overall, the discussion underscored that ethical practices are essential for achieving fair and effective mediation outcomes.

Module 4: Anatomy and Analysis of Conflict

Atty. Marcelo discussed conflict as a situation where parties perceive their goals as incompatible. She emphasized that understanding conflict is crucial for facilitating communication and finding solutions.

Atty. Marcelo also mentioned that conflicts are unique and require careful diagnosis of their sources and dynamics. They can manifest emotionally (feelings like anger or fear) and behaviorally (actions expressing needs). In her discussion, Atty. Marcelo also identified the key causes of conflict, including data, relationship, structural, values, and conflicting interests, and how each needs tailored interventions.

Module 5: Fundamentals of Mediation

In Module 5, Atty. Nita Doreen Tabbu, Attorney III – CDA Region II Extension Office, outlined the fundamentals of mediation, describing it as a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps disputing parties communicate and negotiate to reach a settlement. Key goals include facilitating communication and creating a safe environment.

Atty. Tabbu discussed the core values such as self-determination, neutrality, confidentiality, and creativity are essential. She also emphasized mandatory mediator skills like active listening, reframing to uncover underlying interests, and summarizing to confirm understanding. Reframing exercises were also given to the participants, in which they actively participated.

Module 6: Stages of Mediation

Atty. Tabbu discussed the stages of mediation, highlighting two primary phases: problem-defining and problem-solving. She also elaborated the important stages of mediation including the introduction of the mediation process, setting the agenda based on the parties’ opening statements, and exploring underlying interests. Atty. Tabbu also mentioned that confidential discussions through private sessions (caucuses) may be done, while joint sessions facilitate the refinement of proposals and the formulation of a formal agreement.

Atty. Tabbu highlighted that the final agreement should be clear and satisfactory to all parties involved.

Module 7: Simulation and Skills Assessment

After the lecture proper, the participants were asked to perform a simulation of the mediation process. Each group was composed of a complainant, respondent, and mediator, and was given a unique dispute to resolve.

The group presentation was critiqued by Atty. Marcelo and Ms. Dianne Balleza, CDS II- CDA Region III Extension Office. They commended the participants and gave their feedback and advise to improve the participants mediation skills.

A post-test was also administered to see the participants’ knowledge gained after the training.

𝐶𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑚

The program was facilitated by PFCCO-CLRL. During the program certificates of completion were awarded to the participants who completed the 3-day training. Participants who excelled in the simulation were also recognized by the body.

Afterwards, the Chair of the PFCCO-CLRL expressed her gratitude toward the participants, PFCCO-CLRL, BUC, and CDA staffers who actively participated in the course.