Oh, what a propitious time to be the UPLSAA president. Although there doesn't seem to be much hoopla about it, rest assured that UP will be having it's big shebang next year, when we celebrate 100 years of excellence. Right after I took over, I have been asked what the UPLSAA's plans are for the centennial. Well, in my term, I decided to focus more on the UPLSAA's outreach and education program.
I must admit, I had some misgivings about this position. I was not sure if I could devote as much time to being in the UPLSAA as I would want. I was also unsure of taking over a job that was both tiring/frustrating (at times), not to mention thankless. In addition to that, I am also witness to the fact that this was a position that was a magnet for criticism with not much support. But then again, what position isn't?
But, this year, I am both glad and thankful that the fears that I had in the beginning were being disputed. I am glad that most of the officers that I have this year are both good friends and colleagues that I have known since my undergraduate days. Even those that I have only met this year have proven to be both helpful, cooperative and most importantly, dedicated to our cause. Don't get me wrong, the officers of last year were just as helpful and dedicated, but circumstances have not been fully cooperative to the UPLSAA and have prevented us from devoting our full time to the association.
In addition, the UPLSAA have found support from its alumni overseas. I would like to mention Zyrel Rojo and Jhoanna Gorriceta-Rojo (both alumni of the UP-SLIS) who has been instrumental in helping the UPLSAA achieve its mission of reaching out to the community. Their donations of books, toys and other educational materials have been given to various community libraries in the country.
This year, half-way through my term, we have been involved in quite a few libraries already. With the help of our PRO, Troy Lacsamana, who is also Eduk Inc.'s Executive Director, we were able to provide the materials donated to the various libraries. As of this moment, we have helped 5 community libraries: Aklatang Pambata, Brgy 129 Community Library in Tondo, a GK Community Library in Bulacan, one community library in Boracay and the Marikina Hills Community Library in Marikina. In addition to material donations, we also provide essential training to library volunteers, like what we did to the Marikina Hills Community Library.
In Daang Bakal in Marikina Hills, the community was fortunate to have a benefactor who provided them with a community center with a space allotted for a library for the children. The Rotary Club in Marikina Hills was also essential in jump starting the project and the progress of this venture just flowed naturally, thanks in part to the dynamic between the various organizations (UPLSAA, benefactors, Rotary Club) and the community. We had a couple of training sessions for the community volunteers and it was heartwarming to see their excitement and eagerness to have this community library. It was easy for them to see what benefits can be reaped from this project and because of that, we had the whole support of the community.
Why are we doing this? Why should YOU be involved in this? First and foremost, it is no secret that Filipinos are falling behind other Asian countries in literacy. According to a study published by the PCIJ (read article here ), the functional literacy of Filipinos is declining. As a librarian, I think it is part of our duty, to reverse that trend. Somehow we must do something to help young Filipinos learn and this is our response to that. Through the library's volunteers and members, the community library can be an extension of the school where they can learn. We know it can work: just look at the Aklatang Pambata in Quezon City. The children of Brgy. Paltok look forward to each and every activity in Aklatang Pambata in addition to the regular library service that it has. We hope to emulate their example by providing not just educational materials but also library training for the volunteers.
Second, we believe that the library is not just a place of learning but it can also be a hub for community activities. Being involved in the community strengthens its ties to the community it serves and also it creates bonds among its members.
Third, when the children discover the pleasures of reading, worlds and opportunities open for them. Our speaker during the Manila International Book Fair mentioned the Cycle of Poverty. Illiteracy leads to unemployment, unemployment leads to poverty, and when you’re poor you can’t afford to go to school which makes you illiterate. The cycle begins again. We want to do our share to break this cycle somehow and make the children aware of the opportunities that they can have when they are literate. Reading informs, makes one knowledgeable and wise. When you have knowledge and wisdom, doors open, opportunities knock, and the cycle of poverty is broken. It seems like a farfetched dream, but hey, at least we’re doing something.
True, efforts like this do not come free, and sometimes we dig into our own pockets, but when we see the results, it all seems well worth it. Try it, I think you’ll like it too.
