Valencia City holds barangay librarians training and seminar

By EJ MONTEBON

Recognizing the importance of the Barangay Librarians in the enhancement of the performance of the barangay government for a more effective delivery of services, the City Government of Valencia through the City Public Library headed by Aine Mecisa-mente, city librarian conducted the Barangay Librarians Training and Seminar on October 7-9, 2015 at the City Public Library, City Hall Compound, Valencia City, Bukidnon. The seminar was attended by 22 Barangay Librarians from the City of Valencia.

Mecisamente said among the 31 Barangay Libraries in Valencia City, 23 are already affiliated to the National Library of the Philippines and the other eight barangay libraries are non-affiliated and are still complying their requirements.

During the first day, opening ceremonies were conducted and participants were introduced.  Mecisamente discussed the topic ‘What is library and its functions’ and ‘Accession of books.’

Also discussed were the topics: ‘Different sections and services of library’ and ‘Organization of library materials.’

During the second day, Irish Maderse, AA IV and Library Staff discussed the ‘Library rules and regulations,’ while Jennifer Sombilon, City Librarian from Malaybalay City discussed the ‘Cataloguing and classification of books’ and conducted workshop afterwards. Charrie Bulwag, AA IV and Library Staff conducted workshop on the topic: ‘Clippings of serial collections.’

On the third and final day of the seminar, Clarita Gabriel, AA IV and Library Staff spoke to the group on the topic ‘Indexing of periodical articles’ with a workshop thereafter.

Mecisamente then discussed the topic “Ten reasons to read,’ and had a round table discussion with the participants regarding Statistical Report, Annual and Monthly Report Plans, Comments, Suggestions and feedbacking.

Abe Gillaco, Acting City Administrator who spoke in behalf of the City Mayor Azu-cena Huervas, during his message said that Barangay Librarians play a vital role in Barangay Governance, and the City Government of Valencia would allocate additional funds for the honorarium of the designated Barangay Librarians.

“We are inviting the other Barangay Libraries in the city who were not yet affiliated with the National Library of the Philippines to comply and be affiliated. Our Local Chief Executive, Mayor Huervas is encouraging the Barangay Libraries to update and enhance their spaces in their respective barangay halls and make our libraries conducive for learning,” he added.

Mecisamente further added that the City Public Library Staff recently conducted ocular inspection last July and August 2015 in all Barangay Libraries in the city, and they encouraged the librarians and the Barangay Council to comply their requirements, for the National Library of the Philippines has an annual allocation of free books to all affiliated Barangay Public Libraries.  “The City Library is a hub for continuing education, lifelong learning and a venue for constituents from all walks of life,” she added.

The Valencia City Public Library is a wifi-zone with computer sets for readers and clients, fully-air conditioned with wide selection of reading materials ranging from General Reference, Periodical Section, General Collection/Circular Section, Filipiniana Section, Local History Collection, Children’s Section and Multimedia and Internet Section.

Mecisamente also encouraged the Barangay Librarians to facilitate daily subscription of newspapers for the baran-gay constituents’ update of daily information.

As the saying goes, “Librarians are imbued with lofty ideals of service to people through books and other records of knowledge, a service they believe is their best way to serve humanity, enrich people’s lives and attain self-actualization.” (ADVT)