BASCO, BATANES — In a move to strengthen its commitment to a faster, more effective conflict resolution, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) conducted a Capacity Building Training on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for its leadership on April 9 to 11, 2025, at Amboy Hometel, Basco, Batanes.

 The training, organized by MGB’s Legal Service Division (LSD) with assistance from MGB Regional Office No. II, was participated by the Assistant Director, Regional Directors, and the MGB Employees Association National President, who shall supervise and monitor the implementation of MGB’s ADR Program as its Oversight Committee. The program aimed to enhance participants' knowledge and practical skills in applying ADR mechanisms — particularly mediation and conciliation — in mining and environment-related disputes.

Deputy Executive Director Krista Gem Santos and Training Specialist Criscelle Moya-Pobre from the Department of Justice’s Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) served as the primary resource speakers. They were assisted by Ms. Jullianne Blair Coco, also from OADR.

The training focused on three main modules: Introduction to ADR, Fundamentals of Mediation and Conciliation, and Stages of Mediation and Conciliation. Sessions combined lectures with interactive discussions, and participants engaged in simulation activities to apply mediation techniques in practical scenarios.

In accordance with Republic Act No. 9285 (Alternative Dispute Resolution Act of 2004), Executive Order No. 97, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order No. 2005-18, MGB is taking active steps to integrate ADR principles into its internal processes. This is part of a broader government initiative to promote party autonomy, reduce case backlogs, and provide accessible, efficient dispute resolution mechanisms across agencies.

During the training, Regional Directors deepened their understanding of ADR and contributed feedback to the ongoing development of MGB’s own ADR guidelines. Once finalized, these guidelines will institutionalize ADR practices across MGB’s Central and Regional Offices, covering mining conflicts, environment and natural resources (ENR) disputes, and personnel-related cases.

Participants completed both pre-tests and post-tests to measure learning outcomes, and Certificates of Completion were awarded at the end of the workshop. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to the resource speakers.

MGB Assistant Director Engr. Teodorico A. Sandoval formally closed the program, emphasizing that the training marks only the first phase of MGB’s broader plan to institutionalize ADR as a primary dispute resolution tool within the Bureau. A follow-up training focusing on the finalization and implementation of the MGB’s ADR policy is scheduled in the coming months.

By: Legal Service Division