MANILA, Philippines — In a landmark event held at the prestigious Manila Hotel, Davao-based legal practitioner Atty. Earl D. F. Larroder was honored with the first-ever LEAP Award (Leaders Excelling in Alternative Dispute and Peace Building), recognizing his exemplary contributions to the field of alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
The LEAP Awards, launched this year by the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) of the Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Manila and the Philippine Institute of Arbitrators, aim to spotlight individuals who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and integrity in the practice of dispute resolution and peacebuilding across the Philippines.
Atty. Larroder received the award under the category “Negotiating a Settlement Agreement”, a criterion that highlights professionals who have successfully facilitated amicable resolutions in high-stakes or complex disputes.
According to the selection committee, Atty. Larroder’s outstanding ability to guide disputing parties toward a voluntary, fair, and durable settlement set a new standard for negotiation practice in the country.
“This recognition reflects not just my personal efforts but the collaborative spirit of ADR practitioners who believe in peaceful, non-litigious solutions to conflict,” said Atty. Larroder in his acceptance speech. “It’s an honor to be part of this movement and to represent Davao and Mindanao in national conversations on peacebuilding and justice.”
The awarding ceremony gathered leading figures in the legal and peacebuilding communities, including representatives from the DOJ, senior mediators and arbitrators and civil society leaders.
The LEAP Awards are expected to be held annually, providing a platform to recognize pioneers and emerging leaders in the ADR field. With his win, Atty. Larroder sets a strong precedent for future honorees.
