Village peace workers urged to strengthen conflict resolution

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz II has called on members of the Lupon Tagapamayapa to deepen their commitment to resolving community disputes and persevere despite challenges in their duties.

Speaking before 56 Lupon members from the municipalities of Hinigaran and Manapla during the second day of the Transformative Mediation Training-Workshop at the Negros Residences, Diaz emphasized the importance of building a strong track record of grassroots peacekeeping.

The three-day training, held from Aug. 27 to 29, is organized by the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in partnership with the Liga ng mga Barangay through the Provincial Planning and Development Office.

The workshop is part of a continuing series aimed at strengthening the mediation skills of Lupon Tagapamayapa across the province.

Diaz thanked the participants for embracing the training, saying it equips them with both technical and practical skills in mediation.

He added that the sessions also enhance their understanding of their critical role in sustaining peace at the barangay level.

“Your attendance here only shows your openness and willingness to learn,” Diaz told the group, noting that their role goes beyond resolving disputes.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, because they carry the mission of promoting peace,” he added.

Diaz praised the Lupon members for their dedication, describing them as essential partners in conflict resolution who help ease the burden on local courts.

By settling cases amicably within barangays, the Lupon help prevent minor disputes from escalating into court battles, he said.

Diaz further encouraged them to embrace their role as catalysts of harmony in their communities.

“You are instruments of peace. Every dispute you resolve saves families, neighbors, and even friends from prolonged conflict,” he said.

The ongoing training is the fifth batch in a series of capacity-building efforts initiated by the province.

Previous workshops were conducted for Lupon members from La Carlota and Escalante cities (first batch), Cadiz City and Ilog (second batch), Pontevedra and San Carlos City (third batch), and Victorias City and Toboso (fourth batch).

Through these initiatives, the provincial government aims to professionalize and sustain community-based conflict resolution.

The broader goal is to empower Lupon Tagapamayapa to address disputes effectively and promote a culture of peace and justice across Negros Occidental.