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(Metro Manila, Philippines) In preparation to become a skilled Single-Entry Assistance Desk Officers (SEADOs), a 2-day training was initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment – National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) for some 34 participants coming from its six Field Offices and Regional Office.

Said training was held from April 17 to 18, 2023 at DOLE Command Center, Intramuros, Manila.

The training was coordinated with the National Conciliation-Mediation Board (NCMB) in order for the SEADOs to be equipped with the knowledge of different employment issues, familiarized with the proper handling in conciliation-mediation settlement process of all labor cases, and learned various techniques and methods in facilitating discussions between parties.

The Department Order No. 107, Series of 2010 or known as Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) is one of the DOLE’s banner programs that provide a speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement procedure of all labor issues or conflicts to prevent them from ripening into full-blown disputes or actual labor cases.

Atty. Jude Thomas P. Trayvilla who were present during the event urged participants to grasp and digest different knowledge and skills that they should possess as a SEADO.

Assistant Regional Director, Atty. Jude Thomas P. Trayvilla, graced the event and delivered a welcome message on behalf of Regional Director, Atty. Sarah Buena S. Mirasol. He acknowledged the presence of the resource speakers and reminded the participants to take this opportunity to acquire insightful and significant knowledge which will be useful for their field of work.

“As I always remind our employees, the learning does not stop from training alone. Let us always strive to continuously learn the existing laws and regulations that govern the labor and employment and seeking advice from fellow SEADOs and experts to help you master the process over time,” he said.

The first day of training circles around the insightful discussions including the overview of the SEnA program, SEnA procedures, conciliation-mediation techniques, and behavioral and skills requirements.

The second day of training started with a mock conciliation-mediation, wherein participants were group into teams, each handling different cases such as illegal dismissal, illegal deduction, illegal suspension, discrimination, and moral and exemplary damages.

After the given time of preparation, each team role-played their assigned cases and then a drill on writing meeting minutes as part of the process.

Atty. Kim Marie M. Roque-Aquino discussed the top issues that are difficult to settle, such as illegal dismissal involving security guards and workers in the construction, transportation, and BPO industry.

In the latter part of the training, NCMB OIC-Director, Atty. Kim Marie M. Roque-Aquino emphasized the importance of an effective conciliation-mediation process for the SEADOs during the actual settlement.

“To be able to effectively assist the parties, we have to familiarize ourselves with at least the basic or fundamental concepts of the issues that are being presented before us, para magabayan at matulungan natin sila,” she said.

The resource speaker who also shared their knowledge were NCMB Deputy Executive Director, Ms. Teresita E. Audea; NCMB Supervising Labor and Employment Officer, Ms. Tess Kinsy F. Comandante; and NCMB Labor and Employment Officer III, Ms. Eloisa Mae M. Aquino.

END / Mark Louie T. Conde with photos by Denise Jhoelle Manalang