Resolving Conflicts, Building Peace: Narratives of Mediators at the Grassroots
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I1.150Keywords:
Barangay Justice, Community Disputes, Conflict Resolution, Grassroots Mediation, Lived Experiences, Lupon Tagapamayapa, Peacebuilding, Self-EfficacyAbstract
This study explored the lived experiences of Lupon Tagapamayapa chairpersons in mediating community disputes in selected barangays of Buenavista, Bohol. It was anchored on the Theory of Conflict and Resolution, Decision Theory, and Self-Efficacy Theory to explain the dynamics of grassroots conflict resolution, decision-making, and mediator resilience. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, the study gathered data through a validated researcher-made interview guide administered through individual interviews and a focused group discussion. The respondents were ten Lupon Tagapamayapa chairpersons selected through purposive sampling based on their years of service, current residence and work in their barangays, and voluntary participation. Data were analyzed using transcendental phenomenological analysis. The findings revealed that mediation at the barangay level was both meaningful and challenging. Positive experiences were reflected in the themes Healing Justice: Where Compassion Meets Resolution and Silent Architects of Daily Harmony, showing that mediators valued reconciliation, restored relationships, and the preservation of community peace. Negative experiences emerged in When Land Becomes Legacy and Liability and Bloodlines and Battle Lines: A Kinship Divided, indicating that land and family disputes were among the most difficult cases to mediate because of their emotional, relational, and social complexities. The challenges encountered were expressed through Wisdom in Stillness: The Quiet Power of Calm and Clarity and Grace in Mediation: Faith, Fellowship, and the Soul of Resolution, highlighting the importance of calmness, fairness, emotional control, empathy, faith, and peer support. The study concluded that barangay mediation is not merely a procedural duty but a deeply human peacebuilding practice grounded in compassion, fairness, and trust. It recommends continuous training in mediation, emotional intelligence, and conflict transformation, along with stronger institutional support and values-based approaches to strengthen grassroots dispute resolution. The study is closely aligned with SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions and SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities. Its sustainability impact lies in strengthening community harmony, local governance, and institutional capacity for peaceful and accessible justice at the grassroots level.
References
Addun, R. L. A. (2025). Restoring victim-offender relationship: A qualitative study of restorative justice in the Philippine barangay system. Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, 2(3), 45–55.
Ali, Z. Z., & Jafar, W. A. (2025). Legal reform and mediation in non-litigation dispute resolution: A case study of Sebambangan tradition. Journal of Law and Legal Reform, 6(2), 549–578.
Almazan, K. V. (2025). The barangay justice system as a peace-building mechanism in Barangay Salumague, Paniqui, Tarlac. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 11(5), 0–0.
Andan, Y., & Sumayo, G. (2026). Evaluating the resolving disputes practices of Lupong Tagapamayapa: Constituents’ view from Barangay Bual Sur, Midsayap, Cotabato, Philippines. International Journal of Law Policy and Governance, 5(1), 1–16.
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W. H. Freeman.
Bandura, A. (2018a). A commentary on self-efficacy. In R. Schwarzer (Ed.), Self-efficacy: Thought control of action (pp. 335–350). Taylor & Francis.
Bandura, A. (2018b). Toward a psychology of human agency: Pathways and reflections. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(2), 130–136. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691617699280
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press.
Bercovitch, J. (n.d.). Mediating international conflicts. International Journal of Peace Studies. https://www3.gmu.edu/programs/icar/ijps/vol8_1/Bercovitch.html
Berondo, R. G. (2023). Pag-Hinusayay: Unveiling the unwritten customary laws and settlement practices of Panay Bukidnon community. International Journal, 10(1), 428–435.
B. Metillo, E. J., Q. Ello, A. C., D. Rone, M., L. Dangaran, L. F., & Cuevas Jr., J. F. (2022). The tales of barangay officials in resolving community disputes. Middle East Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 5(2), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.46431/mejast.2022.5219
Braithwaite, J. (2002). Restorative justice and responsive regulation. Law & Policy, 24(2), 99–111. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9930.00135
Buenconsejo, J., et al. (2022). The efficiency of the barangay justice system in resolving domestic disputes: Barangay Kaligayahan, Quezon City. Bestlink College Research Journal. https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/aasgbcpjmra/article/view/13900
Bustamante, E. (2022). Resolving community disputes: Experiences of Lupon Tagapamayapa chairmen. Journal of Humanities and Social Research. https://journal-msugensan.org/index.php/JHRS/article/view/12
Chen, C.-A., & Hsieh, C.-W. (2015). Knowledge sharing motivation in the public sector: The role of public service motivation. International Review of Administrative Sciences, 81(4), 812–832. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020852314558032
Chona, P., & Agustin. (2018). The effectiveness of conciliation process: A practical way of delivering justice. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 7(2). https://garph.co.uk/IJARMSS/Feb2018/12.pdf
Coleman, P. T. (2006). Conflict, complexity, and change: A dynamic systems approach to intractable conflicts. In M. Deutsch, P. T. Coleman, & E. C. Marcus (Eds.), The handbook of conflict resolution: Theory and practice (pp. 493–516). Jossey-Bass.
Coser, L. A. (1956). The functions of social conflict. Free Press.
Creswell, J. W. (2012). Educational research: Planning, conducting, and evaluating quantitative and qualitative research (4th ed.). Pearson.
Damayon, M., et al. (2022). Dispute resolutions in the lowest political unit in the Philippines: Assessment of the difficulties and innovations in the Katarungang Pambarangay system in Northern Philippines. RSIS International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, 10(3), 45–56. https://rsisinternational.org/virtual-library/papers/dispute-resolutions-in-the-lowest-political-unit-in-the-philippines-assessment-of-the-difficulties-and-innovations-in-the-katarungang-pambarangay-system-in-northern-philippines/
Damayon, S. B., Mendoza, L. A. G., Afan, E. A., Fernando, J. A. B., Gagate, A. T., & Santua, A. B. (2022). Dispute resolutions in the lowest political unit in the Philippines: Assessment of the difficulties and innovations in the Katarungang Pambarangay system in Northern Philippines. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 6(9), 293–299.
Dagohoy, R. G., & Villamor, J. F. M. (2021). Decision-making quality towards effectiveness of conciliation process of Lupong Tagapamayapa. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 5(2), 228–236. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2021.5213
Dapusin, M., et al. (2024). The effectiveness of the Barangay Justice System during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norzagaray, Bulacan. AARE Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 6(1), 50–62. https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/aasgbcpjmra/article/view/13335
De, B. (2014). Barangay justice system and the speedy administration of justice. Journal of Philippine Governance Studies, 2(1), 55–70.
De, B. (2014). The effectiveness of conciliation process: A practical way of delivering justice. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 7(2), 179–196. https://www.indianjournals.com/ijor.aspx?target=ijor:ijarmss&volume=7&issue=2&article=012
Delve. (2022, March 17). What is phenomenological research design? https://delvetool.com/blog/phenomenology
Deutsch, M. (1973). The resolution of conflict: Constructive and destructive processes. Yale University Press.
Dofeliz, C., & De La Peña, R. (n.d.). Level of performance of the lupon members under the barangay justice system as perceived by the constituents of the selected barangays in municipality of Badiangan, Iloilo, Philippines. https://repository.cpu.edu.ph/bitstream/handle/20.500.12852/1990/12_Patubas_DofelizJCY_2021.pdf
Dofeliz, J. C. Y. (2017). Level of performance of the lupon members under the barangay justice system as perceived by the constituents of the selected barangays in Municipality of Badiangan, Iloilo, Philippines. https://repository.cpu.edu.ph/handle/20.500.12852/205
Filella, G., Ros-Morente, A., Oriol, X., & March-Llanes, J. (2018). The assertive resolution of conflicts in school with a gamified emotion education program. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, Article 2353. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02353
Fritz, J., Santos, L., & Rivera, P. (2021). Effective dispute resolution: The role of impartiality, transparency, and accountability in community mediation. Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 38(2), 145–163. https://doi.org/10.1002/crq.21342
Fritz, J., Villamor, M., & Dagohoy, R. (2021). Decision-making quality towards effectiveness of conciliation process of Lupong Tagapamayapa. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 5(2), 228–236. https://www.rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/Digital-Library/volume-5-issue-2/228-236.pdf
Gallego, A., et al. (2020). The effectiveness of Katarungang Pambarangay in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City. Bestlink College Research Journal. https://ojs.aaresearchindex.com/index.php/aasgbcpjmra/article/view/1503
Gavrielides, T. (2014). Restorative justice, theory and practice: Addressing the discrepancy. Routledge.
Gizelis, T.-I., Dorussen, H., & Petrova, M. (2016). Research findings on the evolution of peacekeeping. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.013.25
Guia, K., & Mangubat, D. (2021). The experience on Barangay Wakas South, Pilar, Bataan in administering the Katarungan Pambarangay as a rural peace building tool. International Journal of Arts, Sciences and Education, 1(1), 42–52. https://www.ijase.org/index.php/ijase/article/view/5
Hansson, S. O. (2005). Decision theory: A brief introduction. Royal Institute of Technology. https://people.kth.se/~soh/decision-theory.pdf
Hayner, P. B. (2001). Negotiating peace in divided societies: Strategies and structures. International Negotiation, 6(3), 421–446. https://doi.org/10.1163/15718060120848483
Jr., B. K. G., Mallannao, R. C., & Gumarang, B. K. (2021). Colaizzi’s methods in descriptive phenomenology: Basis of a Filipino novice researcher. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 2(10), 928–933. https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.02.10.10
Jumalon, J. U., Pelima, R. G., & Caday, K. A. (2018). Communications for peacebuilding: Conflict resolution skills and strategies of Lupon Tagapamayapa in selected communities of Sarangani Province. Journal of Health Research and Society, 1, 6. https://doi.org/10.34002/jhrs.v1i0.12
Kelman, H. C. (1996). The interactive problem-solving approach. In R. Rothman (Ed.), Resolving identity-based conflicts. Jossey-Bass.
Kelman, H. C. (1997). The role of national identity in conflict resolution. In R. D. Ashmore, L. Jussim, & D. Wilder (Eds.), Social identity, intergroup conflict, and conflict reduction (pp. 197–226). Oxford University Press.
Killip, A., Jr. (2021). Traces of Ato as a judicial institution in the Lupon of Barangay Talubin, Bontoc, Mt. Province. International Journal of Management, Entrepreneurship, Social Science and Humanities, 4(1), 76–95.
Katarungang Pambarangay handbook. (2004). Department of the Interior and Local Government. https://region5.dilg.gov.ph/attachments/article/182/Related_Laws_Katarungang_Pambarangay_Handbook.pdf
Laguda, J. (2024). Managing disputes at the grassroots: Experiences of Lupong Tagapamayapa chiefs. International Journal of Law and Politics Studies, 6(5), 184–200. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijlps.2024.6.5.9
Lambourne, W. (2009). Transitional justice and peacebuilding after mass violence. International Journal of Transitional Justice, 3(1), 28–48. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijtj/ijn036
Layug, M., & Porqueriño, L. (2024, November 29). Legal procedures and community justice: Barangay dispute resolution through Katarungang Pambarangay. University of Baguio – STELA. https://stela.ubaguio.edu/2024/11/29/legal-procedures-and-community-justice-a-deep-dive-into-criminal-procedure-and-barangay-dispute-resolution-through-the-katarungang-pambarangay/
Lederach, J. P. (1997a). Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. United States Institute of Peace Press.
Lederach, J. P. (1997b). Building peace: Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies. Peace & Change, 22(1), 3–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0130.1997.tb00456.x
Lederach, J. P. (2005). The moral imagination: The art and soul of building peace. Oxford University Press.
Lim, C. L. (2019). Firsthand experiences of Punong Barangays in resolving community disputes in Iloilo City [Undergraduate thesis, Central Philippine University]. https://repository.cpu.edu.ph/handle/20.500.12852/1140
Lupao, J., & Alejandro, D. (2022). Challenges and innovations in Katarungang Pambarangay mediation. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 8(10), 58–66. https://doi.org/10.36713/epra11579
McNamara, C. (2009). General guidelines for conducting interviews. Authenticity Consulting, LLC.
Mendoza, L. (2023a). Mediating disputes in the barangays: The work world of Lupon chiefs. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/384672637
Mendoza, L. (2023b). The strategies of Lupon Tagapamayapa in resolving disputes. EPRA International Journal of Research. https://eprajournals.com/IJSR/article/15102
Menzi, B. J. (2025). The strategies of Lupong Tagapamayapa in resolving disputes. EPRA International Journal of Research & Development (IJRD), 10(2).
Metillo, E. J., Ello, A. C., Rone, M. D., Dangaran, L. F., & Cuevas, J. (2022). The tales of barangay officials in resolving community disputes. Middle East Journal of Applied Science & Technology, 5(2), 190–200.
Meyerson, D., & Mackenzie, C. (2018). Procedural justice and the law. Philosophy Compass, 13(12). https://doi.org/10.1111/phc3.12548
Metro, J., Billones, R., & Pao, J. (2021). The implementation of the Barangay Justice System as a community-based dispute settlement mechanism in Bacolod City: A policy review. Legal Research Philippines. https://legalresearchph.com/2021/02/02/the-implementation-of-the-barangay-justice-system-as-a-community-based-dispute-settlement-mechanism-in-barangay-mansilingan-in-bacolod-city-a-policy-review/
Mohammed, M. P., & Caingat, N. C. (2017a). Barangay justice system in Barangay Matatalaib, Tarlac City: An evaluation. https://ideas.repec.org/p/vor/issues/2017-03-21.html
Mohammed, M. P., & Caingat, N. C. (2017b). The Barangay Justice System in the Philippines. Journal of Asian Community Studies, 5(3), 211–227.
Neubauer, B. E., Witkop, C. T., & Varpio, L. (2019). How phenomenology can help us learn from the experiences of others. Perspectives on Medical Education, 8(2), 90–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40037-019-0509-2
Noveloso, R., Nebrida, J., & Badua, J. (2023). Harmonizing community justice: Evaluating the effectiveness of Katarungang Pambarangay in Bacnotan, La Union. International Research Journal of Science, Technology, Education, and Management, 3(2), 85–98. https://irjstem.com/abstract/harmonizing-community-justice-evaluating-the-effectiveness-of-katarungang-pambarangay-in-bacnotan-la-union/
Overland, Buenavista, Bohol profile – PhilAtlas. (n.d.). PhilAtlas. https://www.philatlas.com/visayas/r07/bohol/buenavista/overland.html
Pali, B., & Aertsen, I. (2021). Restorative justice in Europe: Safeguarding rights and strengthening participation for victims, offenders and communities. European Forum for Restorative Justice.
Pareja, J. A. R. (n.d.). Council approves funds for outstanding Lupon search. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2010/10/11/619622/council-approves-funds-outstanding-lupon-search
Perez, R. (2023). Conflict resolution mechanisms in Philippine barangays. EPRA International Journal of Research. https://eprajournals.com/IJSR/article/15102
Philippine Institute for Development Studies, & Innovations for Poverty Action. (2023). Enhancing conflict resolution through the Barangay Justice System: The impact of Project BRAVE in BARMM. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/event/enhancing-conflict-resolution-through-the-barangay-justice-system-the-impact-of-project-brave-in-ba
Procedural justice. (n.d.). Oxford Bibliographies Online. https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780195396607/obo-9780195396607-0241.xml
Putirulan, B. R., Simanjuntak, K. W., & Polański, P. P. (2024). Settlement of the Malamoi community customary land dispute in Sorong Regency: A review of legal and social aspects. Journal of Law Justice, 2(2), 107–121.
Qualitative research designs outline. (n.d.). https://yuli-elearning.com/pluginfile.php/4833/mod_resource/content/1/2.%20qualitative%20research%20design.pdf
Reyes, M. (2023). Performance of Lupon in Barangay Mandaragat, Puerto Princesa City. European Journal of Humanities and Educational Advancements. https://scholarzest.com/index.php/ejhea/article/view/4341
Rio, I. D. (2021). A phenomenological study of the lived experiences of clan war survivors in Central Panay. Turkish Online Journal of Qualitative Inquiry, 12(7), 6475–6490.
Salvador, M. P., & Dela Cruz, R. T. (2024). Challenges in barangay dispute resolution: The experiences of Lupon Tagapamayapa chairmen. Philippine Journal of Community Peace Studies, 8(1), 45–60.
Salvador, T., & Dela Cruz, A. (2024a). Improving barangay justice: Training and development of Lupon members. Al-Kindi Journal of Law and Political Sciences. https://al-kindipublisher.com/index.php/ijlps/article/view/7844
Salvador, T., & Dela Cruz, A. (2024b). Managing disputes at the grassroots: Experiences of Lupong Tagapamayapa chiefs. Al-Kindi Journal of Law and Political Sciences. https://al-kindipublishers.org/index.php/ijlps/article/view/7844
Self-efficacy theory: Bandura’s 4 sources of efficacy beliefs. (2018, March 26). IEduNote.com. https://www.iedunote.com/self-efficacy-theory
Simmel, G. (1955). Conflict and the web of group affiliations (K. H. Wolff, Trans.). Free Press. (Original work published 1908)
Simmel, G. (2014a). Conflict and the web of group affiliations. In Conflict: Readings in management and resolution (pp. 1–14). Springer.
Simmel, G. (2014b). Conflict and the web of group affiliations. In D. Frisby (Ed.), The sociology of Georg Simmel (pp. 68–85). Free Press.
Simmel, G. (2014c). Conflict and the web of group affiliations. In The sociology of Georg Simmel (pp. 171–194). Free Press.
Smith, B. R., & Stein, J. J. (2011). Symbolic communication and peace building. Peace and Conflict Studies, 18(1), 1–23.
Smith, D. W. (2018). Phenomenology. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Metaphysics Research Lab, Stanford University. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/phenomenology/
Sobradil, M. (2019, August 29). The effectiveness of barangay pacification council in settling disputes on the cases of women. SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3528986
Tyler, T. R. (1990a). Why people obey the law. Yale Law Journal, 100(1), 196–204. https://digitalcommons.law.yale.edu/ylj/vol100/iss1/9/
Tyler, T. R. (1990b). Why people obey the law. Yale University Press.
Umbreit, M. S., & Coates, R. B. (1993). Victim-offender mediation: An analysis of programs in four Canadian provinces. U.S. Department of Justice. https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles/vom.pdf
Ury, W. (1999). The third side: Why we fight and how we can stop. Penguin Books.
Villamor, J. F. M., & Dagohoy, R. G. (2021). Decision-making quality towards effectiveness of conciliation process of Lupong Tagapamayapa. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 5(2), 228–236. https://doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2021.5213
Zehr, H. (2015). The little book of restorative justice. Good Books.
