San Fernando, Pampanga – In a remarkable display of resilience and commitment to public service and labor justice, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Regional Arbitration Branch III (RAB III) office in San Fernando, Pampanga, continued its operations despite a fire incident that partially damaged the building. The incident that took place on March 4, 2025, which could have disrupted the agency’s vital services, did not deter the dedicated officials and personnel from fulfilling their duty to both workers and employers.

On the day of the fire, while emergency protocols were strictly observed, the mandatory conciliation and mediation conferences proceeded in the safe areas of the building. Recognizing the urgency of resolving labor disputes, NLRC officials and staff ensured that stakeholders received the services they needed without unnecessary delays.

Among the notable cases successfully settled amidst the adversity, Executive Labor Arbiter (ELA) Roderick Q. Almeyda facilitated the resolution of a dispute involving a service provider company, securing a settlement amounting to ?19k for the complainant-worker. Another significant case involved an employee of a private school who received a settlement of ?165k, ensuring just compensation for the grievances filed.

Meanwhile, the office of Labor Arbiter (LA) Maria Cristina L. Camua-De Guzman continued its mission by facilitating the satisfaction of a total judgment award amounting to ?565k in favor of a worker against a bus company. Additionally, LA Ranele D. Pineda’s office settled the claims of a worker from a hardware store amounting to ?6k, demonstrating NLRC's unwavering dedication to every worker’s right to fair treatment and remuneration.

Despite the challenges posed by the fire incident, numerous other conciliation and mediation conferences pushed through, covering cases filed by complainant-workers against various companies, including a food company, a developer company, a bar establishment, a sales and distribution company, an IT company, a construction company, a battery manufacturing company, and a real-estate company. This steadfast commitment to service ensured that workers’ rights were upheld and that employers had the opportunity to address grievances through legal and fair means.

The dedication of NLRC RAB III personnel in the face of adversity highlights their unfaltering mission to uphold labor justice. Serving as an exemplification to the institution’s resilience and determination, the incident highlights its commitment to ensuring that every worker and employer receives due process and just and speedy resolutions, regardless of the challenges encountered.

As repairs are underway following the fire, NLRC RAB III remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering quality and uninterrupted service, standing as a beacon of hope and justice for the labor sector in Central Luzon.

#NLRCREsilience #ServiceBeyondAdversity #NLRCUnwaveringCommitment