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VOL. 2023 NO. 5

NCMB, HOLDS FACE-TO-FACE RETOOLING

SEMINAR FOR ACCREDITED VOLUNTARY
ARBITRATORS
The National Conciliation and
Mediation Board successfully
organized the 2023 Continuing
Education Seminar for Accredited
Voluntary Arbitrators on August 30-31,
2023, at B Hotel in Quezon City. This
seminar holds particular significance
as it marks the first in-person CESAVA
since the global pandemic began.
The primary objective of this annual
DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. and
event is to enhance the knowledge Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano grace the
of Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators first day of the CESAVA
(AVAs) by addressing topics the need for effective
directly related to their roles and solutions and practical
responsibilities. alternative mode of
dispute resolution.
NCMB Executive Director Maria He underscored
Teresita D. Lacsamana-Cancio (L-R) NCMB Executive Director
the continuing Maria Teresita D. Lacsamana-
warmly welcomed the participants, education seminars, Cancio, DOLE Assistant Secretary
reaffirming the Board’s unwavering Lennard Constantine C. Serrano
VA image rebuilding/ and Undersecretary Benedicto
commitment to supporting and rebranding program Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr. deliver their
assisting AVAs. Distinguished messages
and enhanced
officials from the Department of management of the
Labor and Employment (DOLE) also VA Program as some
graced the occasion, demonstrating of the DOLE and
their dedication to the Voluntary NCMB initiatives in
Arbitration program and the roster the pipeline.
of AVAs. Assistant Secretary Lennard
Constantine C. Serrano expressed his To start the two-day (L-R) Atty. Dominic Victor C. De
wholehearted support by encouraging learning session, Atty. Alban lectures the AVAs on the recent
participants to remain steadfast in Dominic Victor C. De
jurisprudence related to maritime
disability benefits. Meanwhile,
fulfilling their mandates despite the Alban of the National former NLRC Commissioner Isable
emerging challenges faced by the Labor Relations G. Panganiban-Ortiguerra shares
program. Undersecretary Benedicto the essentials of effective decision
Commission delivered writing
Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. addressed the an enlightening
program’s challenges, emphasizing continue on page 2...
NCMB Chronicle - Page 1
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NCMB MAINTAINS ‘UNMODIFIED
OPINION’ FROM COA FOR FOURTH
STRAIGHT YEAR
The National Conciliation
Mediation Board (NCMB)
has received another
recognition from the
Commission on Audit
EDITORIAL BOARD (COA) on the fairness in
the presentation of its
financial statements for
Executive Director FY 2022. NCMB Officials and COA Team
MARIA TERESITA D. LACSAMANA-CANCIO during the Exit Conference
Adviser
This is the fourth consecutive year that the NCMB has
Deputy Executive Director
received an unmodified
TERESITA E. AUDEA opinion. NCMB Executive Director Maria Teresita D.
Lacsamana-Cancio received COA’s recognition contained
Deputy Executive Director in the Independent Auditor’s Report. “This is a testament
MARIA CRISTINA O. MANGALIMAN of the Board’s prudent management of public funds
Project Directors and transparent public service,” Executive Director
Lacsamana- Cancio said.
MARIFE E. FAUSTO
ATTY. KIM MARIE M. ROQUE-AQUINO Unmodified Opinion (also referred to as ‘Unqualified
Project Managers Opinion’) is issued when the auditor concludes that
financial statements are prepared, in all material
JINKY MAE I. ARQUERO respects, in accordance with the applicable financial
MILLYSCENT M. TAGGUEG reporting framework.
DIADEMA A. AGUIRRE
Editorial and Production Team
Based on the COA’s annual audit report, it has conducted
its audit in accordance with the International Standards of
GILLIAN PEARL L. GUERRERO Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAIs) to ascertain the level
JAVANI V. PARAY of assurance that may be placed on the management’s
Layout Design assertions on the financial statements, determine
the propriety of transactions as well as the extent of
DIADEMA A. AGUIRRE compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations,
Circulation and determine the extent of the implementation of prior
years’ audit recommendations.

With this achievement, NCMB Executive Director

WE WELCOME CONTRIBUTIONS Lacsamana-Cancio acknowledged the Board’s Officials
NCMB CHRONICLE enjoins NCMB officials and Employees, specifically its Financial Management
and staff to send in their contributions, Team in the Central Office and Regional Branches for their
suggestions and/or comments to the
Research and Information Division, NCMB, diligence and strict adherence to existing accounting and
6th Floor, Arcadia Bldg., 860 Quezon auditing rules and regulations.
Ave., Quezon City, Philippines or through
email at ncmbchronicle@gmail.com. All The NCMB is proud of its four-year record of unmodified
contributions are subject to the editing
policies of the Editorial Board. opinions from the COA, as this demonstrates its
unwavering commitment to accountability, transparency,
good governance, and responsible stewardship of public
resources albeit its small workforce.

NCMB Chronicle - Page 2

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from page 1..

NCMB Holds Face to Face...

lecture on the latest Supreme Court decisions

regarding seafarer disability claims. This lecture
aimed to keep the participants well-informed about
the recent guidelines and clarifications issued by the Prof. Marquez Outgoing PAVA President
discusses the ethical Josephus B. Jimenez gives an
Supreme Court in resolving seafarer disability claims. considerations in Association Report.
decision making.
Following this, former NLRC Commissioner Isabel G.
Panganiban-Ortiguerra shared invaluable insights
on effective decision-making. Her expertise aimed
to enhance the participants’ attitudinal, legal, and
communication skills in writing decisions.

To delve deeper into the complexities of decision-

PAVA, Inc. Officers (2023-2025)
making, Prof. Leander P. Marquez from the esteemed
UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
discussed the ethical dilemmas that often arise in
this process. Through his presentation, Prof. Marquez
offered different perspectives and lenses to resolve
ethical challenges. Lastly, PAVA Outgoing President
Josephus B. Jimenez provided an Association Report,
shedding light on the latest developments within
the organization. Additionally, he presented the top
10 landmark Supreme Court decisions on Voluntary Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators pose with NCMB
Arbitration. Deputy Executive Director Audea and NCMB staff for a
group photo during the second day of the seminar.

During the same event, PAVA successfully elected

its new set of officers who will serve until 2025. This 1. Levy Edwin C. Ang
esteemed group of individuals will play crucial roles 2. Jack Lawrence R. Fortuno
in leading and representing the organization: 3. Tomas B. Gorospe
4. Ben John B. Raneses
– President: Arnel V. Lajada 5. Manuel P. Legaspi
– Executive Vice President: Carlo Pontico C. Fortuna
– Vice President for Metro Manila: Immediately after the elections, the newly
Cenon Wesley P. Gacutan elected officers were sworn into office by
– Vice President for Luzon: Delia T. Uy Executive Director Cancio.
– Vice President for Visayas: Manuel M. Monzon
– Vice President for Mindanao: Rolando P. Aranas Beyond providing a platform for AVAs to
– Secretary: Vivien M. Lawansa connect and enhance their knowledge,
– Treasurer: Rosa Maria T. Bautista this event served as a vital means to
– Auditor: Napoleon U. Trillanes communicate the Department’s and
– Public Relations Officer: Romeo D. Garcia the Board’s goals and expectations.
Simultaneously, it reaffirmed the
Additionally, the Board of Directors consists of the government’s unwavering support and
following esteemed individuals: commitment to the AVAs.
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NCMB CONDUCTS LEARNING SESSION ON

DEGENERATIVE DISEASES
“Health is wealth. We must value our health
to enjoy our wealth”, Dr. Ian Kenneth C.
Bermeo said during the learning session on
Degenerative Diseases on 10 August 2023.

Dr. Bermeo, a physician from Adventist Medical

Center Manila served as resource speaker and
shared his expertise on degenerative diseases.
He explained that degenerative diseases are
a result of a continuous process based on
degenerative cell changes affecting tissues or DR. Bermeo shares his expertiseon degenerative diseases.
organs. He further discussed genetic cases
that cause degenerative diseases and how
these affect body activities such as balance,
movement, talking, breathing and function.

Dr. Bermeo cited that Alzheimer’s Disease

(AD) and Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are the most
common degenerative diseases in the elderly
and are considered as neurodegenerative
disorders (NDs). Osteoarthritis (OA), on the sleep quality and energy, to improve overall
other hand, is the most common form of strength and mobility.
arthritis. He added that it is a degenerative
In closing, OIC Director Marife E. Fausto and
joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It
Chief Rose-Maria C. Mamaoag expressed
occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and
knees. He stressed that in OA, the cartilagetheir gratitude to the resource speaker for
within a joint begins to break down and the enlightening the NCMB personnel on the
underlying bone begins to change. causes and impact of degenerative diseases on
functional mobility which when left untreated,
Dr. Bermeo conveyed that obesity, diabetes, may lead to regular discomfort and difficulty in
decreased estrogen and heredity are the performing everyday activities.
main causes of degenerative diseases.

To prevent these degenerative diseases,

Dr. Bermeo highlighted the importance of
improving lifestyle-related practices, and
avoiding risk factors to maintain a healthy
positive life and delay if not prevent the
impact of degenerative diseases.

Dr. Bermeo ended his presentation with the

challenge to NCMB personnel to start a low
impact exercises to boost self-esteem, mood,
NCMB Chronicle - Page 4