The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Region IV-B Extension Office, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro, successfully conducted a Conflict Management Training for Cooperative Mediation Practitioners on February 18-19, 2025, at the Capitol Training Center, Brgy. Payompon, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. The event garnered active participation from twenty-eight (28) cooperatives across Occidental Mindoro, with over one hundred participants attending and engaging in insightful discussions and practical activities.

This comprehensive training aimed to equip members of the Board, Mediation and Conciliation Committee, and other relevant officers with the tools necessary to integrate conflict and mediation management programs within their cooperatives. It also served to provide a foundation for understanding and enhancing their conflict resolution and mediation skills.

On February 18, 2025, Ms. Marylou G. Cologan, Executive Assistant V to Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano, formally opened the event with her welcoming remarks. Ms. Cologan emphasized the critical role that cooperatives play in fostering community development and encouraged attendees to actively engage in the sessions to maximize their learning experience.

The opening message was delivered by Mr. Alberto A. Sabarias, Regional Director of CDA Region IV-B. Mr. Sabarias outlined the key objectives of the training and reiterated the significance of collaboration within cooperative members to ensure success in conflict management.

The lecture proper began with a detailed discussion on the conciliation-mediation procedure. Atty. Richard E. Ilagan, Attorney III from the Legal Section, informed participants about the relevant laws, policies, and guidelines on mediation and conciliation enforced by the CDA. He encouraged attendees to embrace conciliation-mediation in resolving internal cooperative issues to preserve harmonious relationships among members and officers.

Atty. Ilagan also discussed the process and requirements for accreditation as Conciliators-Mediators under CDA Memorandum Circular No. 2023-08, encouraging participants to apply and be included in the CDA’s Pool of Accredited Conciliators-Mediators.

In a complementary session, Ms. Hazel Rozette S. Quiray, CDS II, presented on the Fundamentals of Mediation, focusing on key concepts, goals, and the advantages of mediation and conciliation. She also provided guidance on preparing and drafting Conciliation Agreements and introduced techniques such as “reframing” and “summarizing.”

Atty. Ilagan took the stage again to explain the Stages of Mediation, emphasizing the importance of the two primary phases: problem-defining and problem-solving. He walked participants through the multi-stage mediation process, which included introducing the mediation process, setting the agenda based on the parties’ opening statements, exploring underlying interests, and drafting clear and satisfactory settlement agreements.

On the second day of the training, Provincial Governor Eduardo Gadiano attended the event and shared his personal experiences in settling disputes. He also highlighted the significance of effective conflict management in organizational success.

Following the in-depth discussions, participants were divided into five (5) groups for a simulation and skills assessment. Each group, consisting of a complainant, respondent, and mediator, was given a case scenario that reflected real-life cooperative situations prone to conflict. The groups presented their cases, which were then critiqued by Atty. Ilagan and Ms. Quiray. Both provided valuable feedback and advice to help participants further enhance their mediation skills.

After the simulation exercises, the participants shared reflections and insights on conflict management. Certificates of completion were awarded to all those who successfully completed the training, and participants who excelled in the simulation were also recognized.

The training was concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Adelfa Hornilla, Provincial Cooperative Development Officer.

This marks the third Conflict Management Training organized by the Legal Section of CDA R-4B, following successful sessions held in the provinces of Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro. The CDA legal team is set to continue the training series across the remaining provinces of MIMAROPA, further expanding its reach and impact.