The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), in partnership with Saint Louis University School of Law (SLU-SOL) and the IBP Baguio-Benguet Chapter, conducted the IBP Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Roadshow – Northern Luzon Leg on 22 to 24 October 2026, at the Fr. Theophile Verbist Hall, SLU-Sacred Heart Medical Center, Baguio City. The three-day event brought together 105 participants, including legal practitioners, law students, and other stakeholders, to deepen their understanding of ADR mechanisms and promote their use as accessible, efficient, and peaceful means of settling disputes.
The roadshow began with discussions on commercial arbitration, laying a strong foundation for the sessions that followed. Atty. Ian Ray P. Malilong, the IBP National Director for Arbitration and ADR, introduced participants to its core principles and mechanisms. Building on these topics, Atty. Francis Julius Romeo D. Del Valle, Deputy Secretary General for External Relations of the Philippine International Center for Conflict Resolution (PICCR), explored Ad Hoc IBP and PICCR Arbitration and its relevance to ADR practice.
Expanding on the foundational lectures, the second day focused on the practical, specialized, and ethical aspects of alternative dispute resolution. Atty. Del Valle discussed the drafting of pleadings and arbitral awards, while Atty. Jerome A. Matas tackled arbitration under the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC). The succeeding sessions featured Atty. Mohamad Rayyan M. Domado on Shari’ah Arbitration and Atty. Malilong on Ethics in ADR. Collectively, these discussions provided participants with a broader understanding of the various applications and professional responsibilities involved in dispute resolution.
The three-day program culminated on 24 October with a comprehensive assessment to evaluate participants’ understanding of the principles and mechanisms presented in earlier sessions. As an integral component of the accreditation process for prospective IBP arbitrators, the assessment also gauged their preparedness to apply these concepts in alternative dispute resolution practice.
The roadshow underscored ADR’s importance in addressing legal disputes outside traditional court proceedings. Through the topics covered, the event highlighted its potential to offer parties more accessible, efficient avenues for resolving disputes. It also reflected the IBP’s and its partner institutions’ continued commitment to advancing ADR practice and strengthening its role in the justice system.
The initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by fostering continuing legal education and professional development through specialized discussions on arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting awareness of alternative avenues for resolving disputes. Wider adoption of accessible, cost-effective dispute resolution mechanisms can help address barriers that may prevent individuals and communities from seeking appropriate legal remedies.
Furthermore, the roadshow advances Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by highlighting ADR’s role in promoting peaceful dispute settlement and strengthening the administration of justice. Encouraging the development of competent ADR practitioners contributes to broader efforts toward a more inclusive, responsive, and effective legal system. (Article by Kyla Moreno, LSP 1 and Eunice Molaneda, LSP 1 | Photos by Sheila Marie L. Tibay and Charlize Cecille Carrera)
