16th MGBEA National Convention and 7th MGBEA National Congress: Advocating Employee Empowerment and Public Service Excellence

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau held the 16^th MGBEA National Convention and 7^th MGBEA National Congress on April 22 to 25, 2019 at the Microtel by Wyndham in UP-Ayala Land Technohub, Diliman, Quezon City.

With the theme Enhancing Employee Empowerment Towards Public Service Excellence, the event was conducted in keeping with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Employees Association’s efforts to consolidate, strengthen and unite its officers and members pursuant to Article VII, Section 5 of the 2017 MGBEA-MGB Collective Negotiation Agreement on the subject of Employees Welfare and Professional Development.  The Officers of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Employees Association from the National, Central and Regional Chapters took part in the event.

On the first day of the event, Ms. Gina Flor F. Resubal, Secretary General of MGBEA National, gave the House Rules and the Overview of the Workshop.

In the afternoon, Dr. Maybellyn A. Zepeda delivered the Welcome Remarks in her capacity as the President of MGBEA Central Chapter and National Executive Council. “The MGBEA will adhere to its advocacy for ensuring the promotion and development of its members’ welfare and well-being.  This is achieved through a harmonious relationship sustained by constant communication and continuous cooperation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Management.  The establishment and recognition of MGBEA as national in scope did not only unite its members but further strengthened the organization as a formidable employees’ union.  The MGBEA was able to conceptualize and institutionalize its schemes that easily and effectively address issues and concerns of the members,” imparted Dr. Zepeda. 

In the words of Dr. Zepeda, the conduct of MGBEA and other union related activities such as the General Assembly, Annual National Convention, Congress, and Seminar-Workshops serve as venues for all members through their chapters to freely present, discuss and resolve the concerns of the members especially those relating to their working conditions including incentives and benefits as contained in the Collective Negotiation Agreement between the MGB and the MGBEA.  She stated that the MGBEA National Convention is an annual event spearheaded by the MGBEA National Executive Council.  It is a gathering of the local chapters which include 15 Regional Offices and the Central Office for the purpose of presenting their activities, work plans, programs and accomplishments as well as their struggles and success stories. She also stated that the MGBEA National Congress is held every two years to elect the MGBEA National Officers.

For the rest of the afternoon session, the respective MGBEA Chapter President or Representative of some Regional Chapters started to present the 2018 Chapter Accomplishment Report and 2019 Progress Report.

In the morning of the second day, the presentations of the 2018 Chapter Accomplishment Report and 2019 Progress Report of the remaining Regional Chapters continued. The Regional Chapters also shared and recounted their struggles and success stories throughout their 2018 journey and gave updates on their most recent accomplishments. After the presentations, the MGBEA National COMELEC presented the Election Guidelines. All the participants or voting delegates are considered as candidates in the MGBEA Election.  In the afternoon, the Election of MGBEA National Officers ensued.   

On the third day of the event, the proclamation of the new set of MGBEA National Officers took place. Afterwards, the Union Representative Council of MGBEA Central Office, Ms. Glenda B. Quinto, presented The History of MGBEA and Overview of Public Sector Unionism.  For the afternoon session, a representative of the Government Service Insurance System presented the GSIS Benefits of Government Employees.  Moreover, a representative of Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) gave a presentation on Militante, Progresibo at Makabayang Uniyonismo.  Lastly, a representative of CocoLife presented the benefits and privileges of CocoLife Health Care holders. Towards the end of the day, MGB Acting Director Wilfredo G. Moncano administered the oath taking ceremony of new MGBEA National Officers.    

Below is the new set of MGBEA National Officers:

President                                                     Dr. Maybellyn A. ZepedaVice

President (Internal Affairs)             Roel A. Collado Jr.

Vice President (Luzon)                             Danilo A. Fernandez

Vice President (Visayas)                         Lucius P. Sugcang

Vice President (Mindanao)                    Emma Rodelie M. Deverala

Secretary General                                     Gina Flor F. Resubal          

Deputy Secretary General                      Danilo M. Octaviano

PRO                                                                Mary Jossel H. Dispo

Assistant PRO                                              Samuel E. Guadalupe

Auditor                                                          Edwin Jesus O. Buendia Jr.

Assistant Auditor                                        Caidar S. Sambarani

National Council Officers                        Romeo J. Patalinghug

Theodore Rommel E. Pestaño

Jose P. Arzadon Jr.

Ariel S. Villanueva

The positions of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer will still be appointed by the MGBEA National President.

On the last day of the event, Dr. Zepeda delivered the 2018 National President’s Report while Mr. Jose P. Arzadon Jr., Chairperson of Finance Committee of MGBEA National, gave the 2018 National Financial Status Report.