This time last year, a nationwide community quarantine was implemented for an extended period to help curb the overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases in the country. Just like many industries, we at MedNet saw the imperative to redirect our efforts and resources online, as a way to cope and to move forward with our advocacy and commitments amidst the pandemic.

A year later, circumstances have changed significantly but we keep going. We understand that these changes call for innovations and we are innovating. We continue to provide training and community interventions where they are needed – only this time through a safe virtual space.

In this issue of The Mediator, we share stories of openness and meaningful dialogue in the era of the “new normal.” We launched the MedNet Cafe à la online kapihan – a venue where veteran and new members of MedNet gather to get to know each other and learn from their respective careers as mediators. Who does not enjoy afternoon conversations over a cup of coffee?

We introduced the Bridges Cafe, an e-learning forum where critical issues are discussed with bridging leaders of government and other players. A key takeaway from the forum is a potential collaboration with the government in cases where MedNet’s services can be of help. We have had six sessions in and there’s more to come.

We also share the story of Joan Demonteverde, who had her internship in MedNet, along with five other students from Ateneo de Davao University. This is their first online internship, not the usual On-the-Job training – which is also a first for MedNet!

It is important to note that we have started conducting our e-Learning Training Program where MedNet trainers had to modify their approaches to teaching: from traditional face-to-face interaction to online capacity-building programs. More will be discussed in our story on the evolution of our training programs.

Lastly, we are proud to feature the insights and case studies of our resident veteran mediators who are experts in the areas of land conflict, property disputes within the family, and the peace issues in the Bangsamoro.

We have many more stories to share and e-learning programs and activities to facilitate. We are navigating through these unusual times of uncertainty, but we know we will forge on.

Stay safe, everyone.