PDRC ADR Conference and Gala

PDRC at 30:
Leading Philippine ADR into the Future

Three Decades of Excellence: A Conversation with Leaders in Philippine ADR

November 16, 2026 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Garden Ballroom, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila

A Legacy of Excellence.
A Future of Leadership.

From its beginnings to its continuing role in Philippine alternative dispute resolution, PDRC celebrates thirty years of service, leadership and institutional excellence. The anniversary recognizes the people, milestones and principles that have shaped its history while looking ahead to the future of ADR.

Panel 1

Sports ADR
Changing the Game: Resolving Sports-Related Disputes Through ADR

Sports-related disputes arise in professional, national, and collegiate settings and may involve contractual, eligibility, disciplinary, and organizational issues. The discussion will consider how these disputes are currently handled, the limits of sports regulatory bodies, and how arbitration and mediation can provide practical options for athletes and sports organizations.

Panel 2

Emerging Trends
The Modern Arbitrator: Meeting the Changing Expectations of Parties

Arbitration continues to evolve, together with what parties expect from arbitrators. The discussion will explore new developments affecting the practice of arbitration, such as advances in technology, changing approaches to case management, and increasing expectations of efficiency and responsiveness. It will also consider how arbitrators are adapting and how institutions such as PDRC can support the development of current and future arbitrators.

Panel 3

Emergency Arbitration and Expedited Procedure
Fast Forward: Balancing Speed and Fairness in Arbitration

Emergency Arbitration and Expedited Procedure under the PDRC Arbitration Rules offer options for disputes requiring urgent relief or faster resolution. The discussion will examine the practical challenges of compressed timelines and how proceedings can be conducted efficiently while preserving fairness and due process.

Panel 4

Hybrid ADR Process
New Paths to Resolution: Exploring Hybrid ADR Processes

Hybrid ADR combines different dispute resolution processes, such as mediation and arbitration, within a single framework. The discussion will explore how these processes work, when they may be useful, and the practical considerations that arise when different methods or neutral roles are combined.

Panel 5

Dispute Boards
Getting on Board: The Growing Role of Dispute Boards in Dispute Avoidance and Resolution

The use of Dispute Boards continues to grow across the region, particularly for long-term and technically complex projects. The discussion will examine how they can address issues early, prevent disagreements from escalating, and resolve disputes while projects remain ongoing. It will also highlight their increasing importance to infrastructure and other projects in the Philippines.

Edsa Shangri-La, Manila

1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, 1550 Metro Manila