University of Cebu-Banilad Library

Includes bibliographical references.

"The Mediators plays a crucial role in upholding fairness, in managing timeliness, and accessible mediation in implementing alternative dispute resolution. However, the mediators' in Barangay Apas faces challenges that hinders the effectiveness and efficiency of the proper implementation of alternative dispute resolution. This qualitative case research aimed to explore the experiences of mediators in handling disputes and in ensuring equitable mediation process, focusing the challenges encountered in terms of in implementing mediation process, in upholding fairness in mediation process, in facilitating accessible mediation, and managing timeliness in concluding disputes.

Using a descriptive-phenomenological design, this qualitative study explores the lived experiences and challenges of ten purposively selected mediators from the Katarungang Pambarangay in Barangay Apas, Cebu City. Data is gathered through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns in how alternative dispute resolution is implemented. The research process adheres to strict ethical protocols, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring participant anonymity, and securing data for one year before permanent disposal. Ultimately, the study aims to provide insights into the mediation process while upholding the principles of beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy.

The study identified four primary themes regarding the implementation of Alternative Dispute Resolution, highlighting the importance of structured protocols for fairness, strict enforcement of attendance for efficiency, and clear communication for accessibility. Despite these efforts, mediators often face systematic and behavioral barriers that can undermine the success of the mediation process. To address these difficulties, the research revealed a fifth theme centered on the mediators' coping mechanisms, specifically the use of relational strategies to foster a cooperative environment. Ultimately, these findings illustrate how mediators balance rigid procedural enforcement with interpersonal skills to achieve amicable settlements in a complex community setting. Furthermore, improvement of public awareness in mediation concept, and mediators lack; like verifying assumptions of communication to have equitable outcome in mediation and sincere settlement. Ultimately, this study underscore the vital role of mediators in lessening the court cases and provides practical recommendations to strengthen the mediation process of Barangay Apas, and other similar situations nationwide." —Abstract

Adult

Pableo-Borbon, Deniebelle College of Criminology Criminology