Filipino Librarians in the South of Manila

I have had the pleasure of attending three wonderful librarian events in the past three weeks: 1) the conversation with peers on the decision to award the Outstanding Librarian and Library Staff of the Consortium of the South; 2) the Reading Conference at Southville International Schools and Colleges; and 3) the MUNPARLAS Librarians’ Association Incorporated’s (MLAI) Librarians Walk for a Cause, a modelling stint where librarians walked with kids and teens with disabilities. Needless to say, these events are indicative of the active growth and movement of  school librarians in the south of Manila.

Librarians from the Consortium of the South, composed of schools and colleges in Pasay, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Laguna, organized the search for the Outstanding Librarian and Library Staff of the year. This is to recognise librarians and staff who have made valuable contributions to their learning communities. Reading and examining the documents of each candidate, I conclude that these librarians and library staff are of consequence to their learning communities because they are self-starters consciously aware to develop their personal skills and professional competence. During the interview, their confidence in themselves was shinning through and their gratitude to their mother institutions was heart felt. It was one of the toughest judging job I had in a while!

On March 2, I gave a short lecture on digital learning and how the library play an important role in support of digital learners. Organized by the librarians of Southville International School and Colleges, the conference was another experience of professional growth. I may have been the group’s guest speaker, but interacting with participants and organizers was a learning experience for me too. To educate and form learners of the future, we all need to work together. Each of us playing a role and making contributions big and small for the growth  of the profession.

Lastly, the MLAI’s Librarians’ Walk for A Cause was a well received event by librarians and “non-librarians” whom MLAI have partnered with. The fashion show benefits the education if teens with disabilities from the Cradle of Joy Learning Center in Quezon City. Kids and teens walked down the cat walk and the librarians who joined them were all fully dressed in their smart casuals with a smile!

Cheers to everyone! Looking forward to more

events and activities that foster compassion, friendly competition and collaboration!