Quezon City – In its continued effort to strengthen alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in labor cases, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), in collaboration with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), successfully conducted a three-day Advanced Training on Conciliation-Mediation for its Single Entry Approach (SEnA) Desk Officers (SEADOs) and Conciliator-Mediators.

Held from June 17 to 19, 2025 at the NLRC Main Office, Ben-Lor Building, Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, the training aimed to enhance the competencies of SEADOs in conflict resolution, negotiation, and persuasion techniques, while updating them on the latest amendments to SEnA rules and labor law procedures. The program also featured mock conciliation-mediation exercises to simulate real-life scenarios and sharpen participants' practical skills.

In her opening remarks, Chairperson Grace E. Maniquiz-Tan emphasized the critical role of SEnA in decongesting labor dockets and promoting amicable settlements. “SEnA is an important part of our work here in NLRC. On average, we handle 33 percent of all Requests for Assistance (RFAs) in the entire DOLE. As of June 16, 2025, we have handled a total of 14,000 RFAs, with a high disposition rate target of 75 percent,” she said. Chairperson Tan highlighted that the training is essential to improving the settlement rate, aligning with the NLRC’s Office Performance Commitment and Review (OPCR) target of 55 percent, and promoting honest, excellent, and speedy public service.

Day 1 featured lectures led by Atty. Kim Marie M. Roque-Aquino, Commission Attorney at the Office of Commissioner Eric Anthony Ty (Fifth Division), who tackled key labor concepts and legal issues commonly encountered under SEnA. Ms. Eloisa Mae M. Aquino, Supervising LEO of NCMB’s Conciliation and Mediation Division, provided updates on the Revised SEnA Rules, particularly changes to online/onsite modalities and the shift in perspective from implementers to parties. Mr. Ianne R. Go, OIC of NCMB’s Research and Information Division, introduced the DOLE-Assistance for Request Management System (DOLE-ARMS), an integrated platform for digital RFA filing and case management.

Day 2 focused on skill-building sessions facilitated by Ms. Belen Nicasio, SEnA Unit Head of NLRC-NCR Arbitration Branch, and Ms. Teresita Eugenio-Audea, Deputy Executive Director of NCMB. They provided techniques on effective data gathering, probing, negotiation, and the drafting of clear and impartial minutes and agreements. Participants were reminded that effective SEADOs must exercise empathy, neutrality, and clarity in all proceedings.

Day 3 opened with a session by Mr. Ericson L. Igual, Chief of NCMB’s Conciliation-Mediation Division, who gave practical guidance for the Mock SEnA sessions. He reminded participants that a key objective of SEnA is to minimize escalation of disputes to Labor Arbiters, and shared best practices, such as establishing trust with parties and maintaining neutrality throughout. Participants were grouped into teams and engaged in mock conciliation-mediation exercises, applying what they had learned under the guidance of Mr. Igual and Ms. Nicasio.

In her closing message, Labor Arbiter Mona Lisa Vargas, Acting Executive Clerk of Court IV, congratulated the participants and encouraged them to put their new knowledge and skills into action. “Armed with the skills and know-how that you gained these past three days, I know that you are confident that you can do it,” she said, reaffirming the vital role of SEADOs in the efficient resolution of labor disputes.

This training forms part of the NLRC’s continuous capacity-building efforts to promote efficient, fair, and accessible labor dispute resolution and to further professionalize the SEnA process across its branches.

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