Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR)

The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) family extends its warmest birthday wishes to the Secretary of the Department of Justice, Hon. Fredderick A. Vida!

We thank you for your unwavering commitment, leadership, and dedicated public service. May you have a fulfilling year ahead filled with good health, success, and continuous inspiration as you lead the department toward a more just and peaceful nation.

We are proud to share that the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) will be participating in this year's London International Disputes Week (LIDW)!

Representing the OADR, Atty. Zenith Europa, FSIArb MCIArb, will be speaking at the highly anticipated panel discussion on "Investor-State Arbitration and the Global South," hosted by the British Institute of International and Comparative Law (BIICL).

📅 3 June | 16:30–18:00 (BST)
📍 BIICL, 17 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5JP

Don't miss this crucial dialogue on shaping a fairer global arbitration landscape during one of London's premier dispute resolution weeks.

🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eH8y9hFi

We are pleased to announce that we will be co-hosting a panel discussion with Keidan Harrison LLP and Essex Court Chambers Chambers as part of London International Disputes Week (LIDW) on Investor-State Arbitration and the Global South.

The event will take place on Wednesday 3 June 2026 at 4:30 p.m. and will be held at the BIICL offices in London. It will bring together leading practitioners and academics to examine current developments and critical perspectives in investor-state arbitration, with a particular focus on the Global South.

The panel will be chaired by Luke Tucker Harrison and speakers will include Prof. Yarik Kryvoi, Prof. Dan Sarooshi K.C., Zenith Europa, and Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda, SC.

Further details and registration information are available here: https://www.biicl.org/events/12105/investor-state-arbitration-and-the-global-south

Updating ADR Capacity in Tacloban City: Strengthening Katarungang Pambarangay

The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR), through its Training and Program Development Division (TPDD), successfully conducted a Course on ADR Mechanisms under the Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) Law for the Justice Zone: Tacloban City on 19–21 May 2026.

The program kicked off with a courtesy visit to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tacloban City on 18 May 2026, led by OADR Executive Director V Atty. Jose Ma. R. Palaganas. The visit was attended by Atty. Annaliza A. Quiliope, Acting City Administrator, and Atty. Mary Fatima T. Berongoy, Asset Management and Project Development Coordinator of the City Administrator’s Office.

During the course, OADR officials Atty. Jose Ma. R. Palaganas (Executive Director) and Ms. Krista Gem M. Santos (Deputy Executive Director) who delivered the closing remarks joined key LGU Tacloban City and DILG-Tacloban City officials, including Hon. Carissa Anne O. Manook-Frondozo, Hon. Ferdinand Martin “Marty” K. Romualdez, Jr. (City Councilor, Committee on Public Order, Security and Safety), Hon. Raymund A. Balagapo (Liga ng mga Barangay President), and Mr. Jean Redi T. Briones, CESE (OIC City Director, DILG-Tacloban City), in expressing strong support for strengthening community-level dispute resolution through the KP Law.

Atty. Christian Eduard De Dios, Legal Officer of LGU Tacloban City, delivered a message of support on behalf of Hon. Alfred S. Romualdez, City Mayor, while Mr. Eduardo E. Panis gave the closing remarks on behalf of Mr. Carlos Dave L. Castello of the Community Affairs and Coordinating Office.

OADR also extends its gratitude to the esteemed resource speakers for their invaluable contributions as resource persons: Atty. Terrence Mark Arthur S. Ferrer, Ms. Gloria Zosa-seno, Mr. Amante M. Sabangan, Ms. Ma. Victoria Delgado, Ms. Ma. Jasmine T. Montallana, and Mr. Melford G. Maderazo.

To more capacitated communities in accessing justice through ADR!

The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) joins the nation in observing National Flag Days.

On 28 May 1898, Filipino forces triumphed in the Battle of Alapan, in Imus, Cavite, leading to the first unfurling of the Philippine flag—a powerful symbol of our courage, unity, and fight for freedom.

As we commemorate this historic moment, OADR reaffirms its commitment to nation-building by promoting peaceful dialogue, cooperation, and fair dispute resolution—values that strengthen a just and united society.

From May 28 to June 12, let us proudly display our flag and honor our shared responsibility to the nation.

Wagayway ang watawat ng pagkakaisa at kapayapaan—para sa Bagong Pilipinas!

Eid’l Adha Al-Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters!

Today, we joyfully join you in commemorating Eid’l Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, a solemn celebration that honors the unwavering faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to God. As Muslims around the world gather in prayer, reflection, and sharing with those in need, we are reminded of the enduring values of sacrifice, compassion, justice, and peaceful resolution of differences—principles that also guide the work of the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR).

In promoting alternative modes of dispute resolution, the OADR remains committed to fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and harmony in our communities—values that resonate with the spirit of Eid’l Adha as families and communities come together in unity and goodwill.

In observance of Eid’l Adha and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1264, series of 2026, declaring 27 May 2026 a regular holiday, the OADR will resume its regular operations on Thursday, 28 May 2026. For urgent or immediate concerns, you may reach us through email at [email protected].

Updating ADR in the Philippines: OADR’s New Accreditation Framework

The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) -- the lead government agency mandates to promote, develop, and institutionalize the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Philippines – has issued Memorandum Circular (M.C.) No. 2025-003, “Revised Accreditation Guidelines for ADR Providers and Training Standards for ADR Practitioners in the Private and Public Sectors.”

This new Circular updates and supersedes OADR Memorandum Circular No. 2023-02, which constituted the initial revision of the Accreditation Guidelines pursuant to Department Circular No. 049, series of 2012. It:

Streamlines the accreditation framework for ADR providers and practitioners

Formalizes a voluntary accreditation process for ADR providers that intend to offer ADR services or partner with government agencies

Expands the multi-tiered accreditation system for individual accredited or recognized ADR practitioners, supporting higher standards of competence and professionalism.

OADR’s new Circular strengthens its mandate to keep ADR processes credible, accessible, and responsive for both public and private parties.

Memorandum Circular No. 2025-003 took effect on 20 May 2026.

If you are an ADR provider, practitioner, or government partner, this is essential for reading to keep your practice aligned with the latest national standards.

To access the copy, kindly go to this link: https://oadr.doj.gov.ph/resources-2/ or scan the QR code in the photo.

.2025-003

🤝 Negotiate better. Resolve smarter. Lead with confidence.

Join the 2nd Run of the Comprehensive Course on Negotiation (Online) by the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) and sharpen the skills that matter most in your profession!

📅 Date: 20–24 July 2026
💻 Mode: Online via video conferencing
💰 Training Fee: Php 6,000.00 (includes modules and digital resources)

Whether you're from the public or private sector, this course is built for professionals who deal with agreements, conflicts, and stakeholder engagement. Walk away with practical negotiation strategies you can use right away — and upon completion, become eligible for OADR accreditation in negotiation!

⚖️ Lawyers earn 5 MCLE units upon completion.

📌 Register now:
🔗 https://bit.ly/OADRTAF2026

📩 For inquiries:
[email protected] | (+632) 5310-4718

Invest in your growth today. Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and conflict management skills through engaging discussions and interactive learning sessions.

Interested participants may register through the link and via QR Code: https://bit.ly/OADRTAF2026.

For any questions and concerns, please reach out to the Training and Program Development Division through email at [email protected] or through their landline number at (+632) 5310-4718.

Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and conflict management skills through meaningful discussions and interactive learning sessions.

The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) proudly announces the official launch of its Accreditation and Certification System (ACS), which went live on 20 May 2026.

Designed to support our ongoing commitment to digital transformation and efficient public service, the ACS streamlines the accreditation and certification process for both aspiring and existing ADR practitioners and organizations. This milestone initiative will be fully implemented alongside the updated 3rd version of the 2026 OADR Citizen’s Charter.

Explore the new system today by scanning the QR code below or by visiting this link: http://oadr-acs.doj.gov.ph/.

For more information and any related queries, kindly reach out through our
Accreditation and Certification Division through the following contact information:
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Telephone Number: (+632) 5310-4719
Mobile Number: (+63)976- 3096310

The Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) successfully concluded the 2026 ADR Roadshow in Region VIII (Leyte) on 19 May 2026, held at the Tropics at MacArthur Park Resort and Convention Center in Palo, Leyte.

Prior to the event, the OADR team, led by Training, Accreditation, and Promotion Service (TAPS) Director III, Director Reinalyne Vidallon-Varias, paid a courtesy visit to Palo Municipal Mayor Hon. Remedios “Matin” L. Petilla to explore opportunities for future local ADR collaborations. The team also met with Leyte Police Provincial Office Officer-in-Charge PCOL Celerino M. Sacro, Jr. to discuss initiatives that will further strengthen community peace, order, and access to justice.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the proactive leaders and representatives from both the public and private sectors whose active participation contributed to the success of this activity. Your engagement in advancing the ADR legal framework and OADR services reflects a shared commitment to fostering efficient, peaceful, and harmonious dispute resolution in your respective institutions.

Thank you, Leyte, for the warm welcome and for joining us in championing accessible justice through ADR.

More ADR Roadshows are coming soon. Follow the OADR official social media pages to stay updated.