The CoRe Group has been delivering training modules for over 15 years focused at empowering parties to address their issues. Over 3,000 individuals have attended the full course program of at least 80-hours while almost 10,000 have attended shorter courses. Participants have been involved in resolution and / or dialogue of practically all types of issues involving labor, consumer products, workplace, family, community and so much more.
In the earlier years, the programs were designed with a problem solving framework. Here, we pinpoint the main problem, often resulting from incompatible needs or interests, then working with parties to find the solution for all those involved. The focus of the mediator is in getting parties from point A (which involves recognizing the problem) to point B (coming up with a mutually-satisfactory agreement).
“The Filipinos are complex individuals. Our dispute resolution styles has been a tug-of-war between Rule of Law owing to strong Western influences versus our traditional ways. The Values-based Approach merges both principles into a unique framework.” explains Mia Corpus, Executive Director of the CoRe Group.
The dispute resolution community are familiar with interest-based mechanisms. What we offer is a step further into understanding the reasons behind the conflict. The Values-based Approach is more akin to transformative mediation. We recognize that conflict bears a deeper, more personal influence on individuals involved.
“Values is where people find a common understanding. We discovered that when you bring people into this level of communication, there is resolution, not just settlement.” states Tristan Besa, President of the CoRe Group. He further adds “for instance, when parties agree that Respect is important to both of them, they translate this into behaviors that show Respect.”
It is through the recognition of one’s responsibility in the situation, as well as understanding of the other’s point of view that the mediation process can begin to move forward. The CoRe Group has successfully applied this framework in arriving at durable, long-term resolution of intractable conflicts.