CivicAdemy Module 2 equips CSOs with Skills in Conflict Resolution and Data Privacy
“. . .resolve disagreements fairly, and reach a mutually acceptable agreement while ensuring the responsible protection of shared dat”
In collaboration with the Core Group of the University of Baguio (UB), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted Module 2 of the CivicAcademy on October 3, 2026, at the Alumni AVR of the University of Baguio, featuring two sessions on “Dispute Settlement: Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution and Value Preservation in Civil Society” and “Protecting Data and Privacy.” The sessions highlighted SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, particularly Target 16.3 on promoting the rule of law and equal access to justice, Target 16.6 on developing effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions, and Target 16.7 on ensuring inclusive, participatory, and representative decision-making. The activity also supported SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening collaboration among DILG, the University of Baguio, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) toward responsive and meaningful civic participation.
Before the session, participants presented a role-play activity titled “One Grant, Three Missions: A Shared Resource Negotiation,” which served as an output of the first session of Module 2. The activity involved three groups representing different Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) negotiating the use of a single ₱500,000 donor grant to fund one shared resource. With each group having distinct needs and priorities, the role-play challenged participants to negotiate effectively, resolve disagreements fairly, and reach a mutually acceptable agreement while ensuring the responsible protection of shared data.
The first session was led by resource speaker Atty. Julie Binaldo-Velasco, Dean of the College of Public Administration and Governance at Benguet State University, and Dr. Donnavila Marie Panday-Herbster, Director of Research Innovation Extension and Community Outreach Sustainability, served as assistant facilitator.
Atty. Velasco began by stressing the importance of self-control and emotional management when addressing conflicts. She then introduced negotiation and mediation as voluntary mechanisms for dispute settlement, highlighting the roles of communication, neutrality, and the preservation of relationships. She also discussed arbitration and litigation as adjudicatory mechanisms. Participants were encouraged to weigh cost, time, relationships, and broader implications when choosing the mechanism best suited to their circumstances.
The succeeding session was facilitated by Mr. Reimon Balan-eg of DILG-CAR Baguio. The session focused on:
- distinguishing personal information from sensitive personal information;
- understanding the rights of data subjects;
- recognizing the scope and limitations of the Data Privacy Act; and
- developing practices for preventing data privacy violations.
Mr. Balan-eg emphasized the principles of transparency, proportionality, and legitimate purpose, and underscored the need to consider context and circumstances when handling personal information.
The sessions gave participants practical knowledge they can apply within their own organizations and communities. Through the discussions, the CivicAdemy deepened their understanding of conflict resolution, responsible information handling, and the role of CSOs in promoting accountable, inclusive, and responsive governance.
Through the collaborative efforts of the DILG and the UB Core Group, the CivicAcademy reinforced the value of continuous learning, constructive dialogue, responsible leadership, and partnerships in advancing SDG 16 and SDG 17 within communities.
