In a significant move to update and deepen the study of constituent mediation, the League of Lupong Tagapamayapa Inc. (LELT) conducted an enhancement seminar in Cebu City on February 25, 2026. This event drew participation from 289 members of the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP), representing 80 diverse barangays across the city.
Focus on Civil Dispute Settlement
It was noted that many concerns from Cebu residents are channeled through barangays for settling problems in civil aspects. The seminar aimed to address these issues by providing advanced training and insights into effective conflict resolution techniques.
Key Speakers and Topics
Among the first to speak was Executive Judge Anacleto Debalucos, who explained laws pertaining to women and children. Debalucos emphasized that in any case, the best interest of the child should guide the principle of problem settlement, highlighting the importance of child-centric approaches in mediation.
Aida Tampus, president of LELT in Cebu City, stated that Violence against Women and their Children (VAWC) is a major concern in barangays, necessitating ongoing study and updates on new rulings related to such cases. "The conflicts we mediate in the barangay range from the smallest complaints to the largest, depending on the complainant and respondent within the Barangay level, and through our capability and knowledge in conflict resolution," said Tampus on February 25, 2026. "Continuous training is very important so that when there are new techniques to resolve and decongest cases, they can be given attention," she added.
Jurisdictional Guidelines and Procedures
In addition to barangay cases, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Cebu City Director Jonah Pino taught procedures and jurisdictional guidelines for Barangay cases. This segment aimed to ensure mediators are well-versed in legal frameworks and administrative protocols.
Goals and Expectations
LELT hopes that through this seminar, many problems will be resolved and given attention for reconciliation, fostering goodwill among all parties involved. The training is seen as a crucial step in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of barangay mediation systems in Cebu City.
