In pursuit of the Department of Justice’s promise to give “Real Justice in Real Time,” lawyers from the Department of Justice Action Center (DOJAC) and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), prosecutors, DOJAC frontliners and a few private partners from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and Legal Aid Society of the Philippines, receive a five (5) day Comprehensive Course on Mediation designed by the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) from 02-06 December 2024.
In her opening remarks, Undersecretary Margarita N. Gutierrez, Undersecretary in Charge for DOJAC, extended her heartfelt appreciation to the OADR for its unwavering support to the DOJ and its attached agencies, stressing the importance of ADR in upholding the rule of law.
"This course will equip you with the principles, processes, and practical skills you need to guide others through the often-challenging terrain of conflict resolution. Through case scenarios, workshops, and interactive simulations, you’ll gain valuable experience, grounded in real-world situations that are familiar to all of us here at the DOJ Action Center," Usec Gutierrez emphasized.
Delivering his message of support before 60 training participants, Prosecutor General (PG) Anthony D. Fadullon underscored the importance of honing their skills in analyzing conflicts, proposing
interventions and demonstrating mediation in action.
PG Fadullon stated, “Mediation, as a tool and process, offers a way to not only resolve disputes but also to foster understanding, rebuild
trust, and create pathways for sustainable peace.”
As emphasized in the activity, there are occasions when disputes are better handled through mediation instead of undergoing the long, time-consuming and costly process of legal proceedings.
"In mediation, parties can amicably resolve their disputes without going through tedious court litigation, experience genuine peace and justice in a more efficient yet easier way,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" C. Remulla underscored.
The participants expressed their commitment to practice what they’ve learned from the course and vowed to give back to the people by rendering free mediation services to DOJAC clients and litigants/clients.
Serving as the main highlight of the activity was the ceremonial signing of a Pledge of Service by the participants from NPS, PAO, DOJ, and DOJAC witnessed and affirmed by OADR Executive Director Margaret Raizza D. Andaman, PG Fadullon and DOJAC Program Director Joan Carla Guevarra.
