Reysa C. Alenzuela: the Far Reaching Intellectual of the Philippine Librarianship

Reysa C. Alenzuela: the Far Reaching Intellectual of the Philippine Librarianship

by

Melchor F. Cichon, RL, MLS, MM(PM)
June 11, 2014

On January 26, 2010, the Philippine Association of Academic Libraries awarded her for the Best Library Program for 2009 (Institutional Award).
In July 2010, she again received an award. This time it came from the Embassy of the United States of American as Locally Employed Staff of the Month.
And then on May 25, 2013, the University of the Philippines Library Science Alumni Association (UPLSAA) and the University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies (UPSLIS) awarded her as a Young Achiever's Award.
Here is the citation from UPLSAA and UPSLIS:

"For her outstanding contribution in the field of librarianship and for her contributions in developing libraries across the country; for her untiring effort to educate and mentor; for her exemplary dedication, competence and integrity in the practice of her profession which earned her prestigious awards from Embassy of the United States; and for her dedicated service to the profession and her staunch leadership that guides as well as inspires."

The lady I am referring to is no other than Dr. Reysa C. Alenzuela, or Rysa among her friends.

A native of La Paz, Iloilo City, Rysa was born on March 4, 1977.

Because I used to call her Reyza or Ryza, she emphasized that her Mom didn't think of Rizal when she named her Reysa.

Intrigued with this unique name, I checked the internet, and this is what I found:

R is for rapport, friends seek you.
E is for enjoy, your life can be fun!
Y is for youthful, your eternal look.
S is for success, in all you will do.
A is for accepting, your forgiving nature.

After graduation from high school, she took Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in English and Library Science, 1994-1988, at the University of San Agustin, cum laude.

Not satisfied with an education degree, she enrolled again at the University of San Agustin for a Bachelor of Laws degree, while taking up Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

But she left the BAR when she needed to choose between becoming a lawyer or a Master in Library and Information Science.

And still unsatisfied with a masters degree, she went back to Iloilo City and enrolled for a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Iloilo, Iloilo City.

I asked her what made her decide to take up library science. And she said:

"Never had a chance to know that librarianship was a profession. My parents expected me either to take up Political Science or Biology. They wanted me to take long courses. I landed in Bachelor in Secondary Education. Since I used to faint when I see numbers (hyperbole intended), I opted to take Bachelor in Secondary Education major in English but with my lofty goal to get an edge over others, I decided to have a double major -- so I opt for Library Science. If BLIS has been approved then, I would have taken up BLIS."

So I asked her again, "Why did you chose to become a librarian when your first choice was English?", and her answer was straightforward:

"Some paths are winding but all lead to our purpose (I always believed in higher purpose) It wasn't by choice, it's more of pragmatism. I don't exactly know the scope and depth of librarianship then. I just wanted a course where I can be sure I land a job after graduation and I have better chance to be promoted so I decided to take the road to librarianship. I've always been working out to be a good planner as you can see. Though I love books, I love to do research, there were several detours. I took up Bachelor of Laws dreaming of becoming a lawyer. I also thought of studying abroad in linguistics but when another opportunity knocked - to become the Director of University of Iloilo Learning Resource Center, I chose to focus and commit myself to librarianship. Supposedly archives. But all my job led me to managing libraries/ information center which I did for more than 15 years."

And when the Thomas Jefferson Information Center needed a director, she transferred there. And for several years she efficiently directed this center.

While she was managing this information center, engaging activities have been introduced by the US Government. One of these is gaming in libraries. So she and her team adopted and introduced games. They purchased game boards for the 14 network of libraries all over the Philippines. It clicked. Their readers shoot up.

She discussed the mechanics of this novel idea in her paper: "American Corners and It’s Benefit to the Filipino Public: Promoting Games in the Library”, 2nd National Congress of Special Libraries in the Philippines, August 2-3, 2012

To reach more readers outside of their library, she decided to link with academic institutions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Their library donated some books and audio-visual materials to their linkages for the benefit of the children and adult. She discussed this idea lengthily in her talk entitled: Power by Numbers in Accreditation: Collaboration, Linkages and Partnership”. PLAI- Western Visayas Summer Conference. May 24- 25, 2013, in SAEFDEC-AQD, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

In this concept, she introduced five points that can push the library into a better information center of any institution.

The first point that she wishes to happen is the Paradigm of Shift. She said that to expand one's expertise is to look for library partners who can share their best practices and perhaps their resources to serve as a basis in forming one's capability.

The second point that Dr. Alenzuela wishes to share is the long standing partnership with other libraries. This way, a give-and-take relationship will be fostered to help develop each other's capabilities.

The third point Dr. Alenzuela would like to happen among the librarians is by altering the way they do things. She said that when librarians venture to the unknown way of doing things, they become innovative. They are encouraged to find a new way in solving an old problem.

The fourth point Dr. Alenzuela informed the participants is to create a better library by instilling unit collision with other librarians. This means "sticking together."

The fifth and last point Dr. Alenzuela wants to point out is by "Working together". Indeed, any work or problem, for that matter, can be done easily if only every member of the group will work together. She said that "when people work together, collaboration is at its best. And a lot can be achieved and it's more fun."

These and other programs introduced by Dr. Alenzuela or Rysa at the Thomas Jefferson Information Center earned her respect from among Filipino librarians and the officers of the Thomas Jefferson Library.

With that, she was given award as Locally Employed Staff of the Month by the USA.

Of course these are just part of the many accomplishments Rysa has done to Philippine librarianship.

Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to read papers on various aspects of Philippine librarianship, as a guest speaker or as a paper presenter. Here are some of them, as partly mentioned earlier:

Guest Speaker. “Power by Numbers in Accreditation: Collaboration, Linkages and Partnership”. PLAI- Western Visayas Summer Conference. May 24- 25, 2013.

Guest Speaker. “National Conference of Public Librarians”. November 6-8, 2012

Paper Presenter. “The Thomas Jefferson Information Center Network : Shaping the Narratives of Dynamic Engagement.” 3rd International Symposium on Emerging Trends and Technology in Library and Information Science . Guna, India. October 26-27, 2012

Resource Person. Lecture on “Building Dynamic Engagement in Libraries”. Dumaguete City. October 18, 2012

Resource Speaker. “American Corners and It’s Benefit to the Filipino Public: Promoting Games in the Library” 2nd National Congress of Special libraries in the Philippines. August 2-3, 2012

Chair, Souvenir Committee. National Book Week 2011. Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.. November 24-30, 2011

Presenter. “Social Networking Tools and Rules for Libraries Converging in the Social-Media Driven Environs” 4th Rizal Library International Conference. October 21-22, 2010

Control Officer/ Facilitator/ Organizer and Moderator/ Lecturer in 35 fora, symposia, conferences, trainings all over the Philippines from January 2009- May 2011.

For some reasons, Rysa left Thomas Jefferson Information Center and temporarily returned to Iloilo City.

Since librarianship is in her blood, she sought employment in among the big universities in Iloilo City. And she found, not only one but two.

Presently, Rysa is employed as a lecturer at the Central Philippine University, and as a Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) Coordinator at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City.

Based on her accomplishments, it seems that she has already reached the peak of her career as a librarian. She has been a director of one of the most prestigious information centers in the Philippines, has been published in a book, has been awarded by the most prestigious institution in the Philippines, and has been invited as guest speakers in national conferences.

So I asked her this question: Now that you are a successful librarian, what else would you wish to be?

Here is what she said:

"I'd wish to promote awareness of the importance of Archives and to develop library/ information science (LIS) education in the region into a world-class 21st century competitive one.

"Archives is a very important endeavor oftentimes neglected or given the least priority but without these valuable materials our legacy, our society will be placed in oblivion. I do hope that soon I can promote it at least in WV.

"We know that the pace of Library Information Science (LIS) development in the Philippines is uneven -- mostly in the Capital Region. I wanted that LIS participation be also amplified in the region. We have great potentials. Having been working in the academe for a few months, I've seen the potential for growth in terms of graduates in the Visayas and Mindanao considering the demand aside from the undeniable fact that there is a great need for professional librarians. We need to produce more graduates to face the quick turn over (transfer) and potential brain drain. A lot of highly qualified LIS leave the country for a greener pasture. For mentors and academicians, we should not take it as a threat. Rather, embrace this opportunity to show to the world that we can produce globally competitive graduates. We can supply the local and international demands with highly qualified graduates"

Since Rysa is teaching graduate library information science subjects, I asked her opinion on what else should be done to make library education in the Philippine more competitive to other professions in the Philippines.
Below is her answer:

"Despite the changes in our jobs as librarians brought about by emerging technology, LIS is still stereotyped as old fashioned bookworms. Maybe we can strengthen our collaboration so we can be more visible, our impact and role in nation building be felt. To cite a few, we have a great role in promoting respect for intellectual property; we are the most authoritative profession to speak up for free access to information; we bridge the road to deepen understanding of culture; we have sophisticated knowledge on evaluating and retrieving reliable information. We should do more proactive and engaging programs and keep up with fast pace of emerging technology. Thus LIS education should lead in the promotion of a culture of research, should inculcate that sense of pride in the profession, develop curricula that is geared towards honing creative, innovative and dynamic professionals."

That is Rysa, the far reaching intellectual of the Philippine librarianship.

******
Sources:
Personal interview with Dr. Reyza Azenuela, June 8, 2013
Her biodata.
The meaning of names. http://www.themeaningofnames.org/?n=Reysa&m=9&d=22&y=1999&go=Go. Retrieved: June 11, 2013

Ma. Rhona J. Pelasol: A Super Achiever

Ms. Ma. Rhona J. Pelasol: A Super Achiever

by

Melchor F. Cichon, RL

May 2, 2013

I first met her while I was attending a department head meeting at St. Therese-La Fiesta Site, Iloilo City. She was silent almost throughout our meeting except when she was asked by our presiding officer, Dr. Ma. Teresa S. Sarabia to talk about the results of her recent research.

Dr. Sarabia is the president of St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Molo, Iloilo City, the college that produces champions.

It was then that I knew that she is the Research and Development Coordinator of St. Therese-La Fiesta Site. She was then presenting her findings on Managing Iloilo River Towards Biodiversity and Sustainability.

I was amazed by her presentation that I thought I should someday write about her.

My interest on her grew stronger when I learned that among the faculty and staff of St. Therese-MTC College, she received the most number of awards for the School-Year 2012-2013 in the recent Foundation Day Celebration of the said college. She received 12 awards. I repeat, 12 awards for her researches and presentation of researches in various national and international conventions.

Looking at her curriculum vitae, I noticed that in 2012, she wrote alone or with her colleagues the following papers which she read in various national and international conferences :

1. Igcabugao: A Potential Tourist Destination in the Southern Part of Iloilo, Philippines presented in the 5^th Regional Scientific Conference and Annual General Assembly held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines, January 27-28, 2012.

2. Igcabugao: A Potential Tourist Destination in the Southern Part of Iloilo, Philippines presented during the 6^th Global Business Conference held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Manila, Philippines, February 4, 2012.

3. Level of Awareness Towards Solid Waste Management Among Residents of Five Coastal Barangays in the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo presented in the 5^th Regional Scientific Conference and Annual General Assembly held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines, January 27-28, 2012.

4. Managing Iloilo River Towards Biodiversity and Sustainability presented during the 5^th International Conference and Scientific Meeting held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Molo, Iloilo City, February 15-17, 2012.

5. Awareness and Practices on Waste Disposal Among Restaurants Along Iloilo River presented during the 5^th International Conference and Scientific Meeting held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Molo, Iloilo City, February 15-17, 2012.

6. Level of Awareness Towards Solid Waste Management Among Residents of Five Coastal Barangays in the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo presented during the 5^th International Conference and Scientific Meeting held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Molo, Iloilo City, February 15-17, 2012.

7. Iloilo River Eco-Park and Sustainable Development: Inputs Towards the Full Rehabilitation of Iloilo River presented during the 20^th Annual Philippine Society for Educational Research and Evaluation (PSERE) Conference held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime UIniversity, Arevalo, Iloilo City, May 10-11, 2012.

8. Loom Weaving in Oton, Iloilo, Philippines: Awakening the Awareness of the Local Folks and Its Economic and Tourism Benefits presented during the 10^th Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (APacCHRIE) held at Diamond Hotel, Manila, Philippines, June 5-8, 2012

9. Public-Private Sector Participation in Managing Iloilo River Towards   Biodiversity and Sustainability presented during the International Research Conference for Globalization and Sustainability held at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City, Philippines, August 14-16, 2012

10. Iloilo City:  A Potential Convention Destination presented during the World Research Festival 2012 by PAIR and IAMURE held at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City, Philippines, August 22-25, 2012

11. Defining and Redefining the Graduates: The STMTCC Thrust on Institutional Development presented during the Research Seminar and Forum organized by Research Educational Development Training Institute (REDTI) held at Capis Mansions, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines, August 29-21, 2012.

12. Quality Assurance Monitoring and Evaluation: A Program for Institutional Excellence presented during the 12th Annual South East Asian Association for Institutional Research (SEAAIR) held at Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, November 6-8, 2012

When I looked at her list of seminars/workshops that she has attended in 2012,  I noticed the following:

1.       Strategic Planning Workshop, April 13, 2012, Multi-Purpose Hall, St. Therese-MTC Colleges, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines

2.       Seminar Workshop o Digital Technology: Its Application to Qualitative and Quantitative Research, September 6-7, 2012 at Casa Pilar, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan, Philippines

3.       International Training on the Management of Journal Publications, Performance of Editorial Boards, and Scientific Writing for Journals, December 6-7, 2012 at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City, Philippines.

The above lists triggered my interest on how she was able to write 12 scientific papers in one year.

The BS students of St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Iloilo City, are required to submit  research papers as a partial requirement for their respective degrees with the help of their research advisers.

These submitted researches can be elevated by their research advisers into full fledge researches. Because the research's data, related literature and analysis of the data are almost complete, it would now be easy for the research advisers to develop these student researches into scientific papers. All he or she has to do is to improve its presentation of objectives and problems, revise its review of related literature, improve its recommendations and add its impact on the focused area of study.

That could be the reason why in one year, Mrs. Pelasol was able to produce and present 12 scientific papers in various scientific conventions here and abroad. She is indeed an epitome of a person who works while the others are sleeping. She told me that her motto is: work and work.

Ms. Pelasol was born on February 14 in Zarraga, Iloilo where a lot of farmers are culturing catfishes.

As a child Ms. Pelasol joined the Legion of Mary, a religious group whose main objective is "to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members, who offer their services to their pastor to aid him in the performance of spiritual works within the parish community."

As she grew older, she joined cooperatives. Her knowledge on cooperative was improved when she took her Bachelor of Science in Management and her Master in Management, major in business management degrees at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Iloilo City.

During her spare time, Ms. Pelasol would play badminton together with her friends, or she would tender her vegetable garden.

"I prefer vegetable garden than flower garden", she said, "because I love to eat fresh vegetables."

That could be the other reason why Ms. Pelasol is a super achiever.

Vernon R. Totanes: the Filipino Blograrian

Vernon R. Totanes: The Filipino Blograrian
by

Melchor F. Cichon
July 27, 2006

He must have been influenced by his Ateneo elementary librarian for his decision to pursue a librarian profession.

Or it could be his real love for books and service to his fellowmen like his retired parents that he sticks to librarianship.

His mother, Mrs. Florentina Totanes, a retired public school teacher, taught him his ABCs and 123s, and his father, Major General Virgilio Totanes, who taught him how to read—with intelligence. He was born in Quezon City, 18 August 1973.

Whatever it is, Von, as he is fondly called by his friends, has elevated further the library profession in the Philippines by bringing closer the Filipino librarians to the world of the internet.

Or spefically, "it has brought Filipino librarians and libraries into the consciousness of people who just assumed that what they knew about us (librarians) was all they needed to know."

His website, Filipino Librarian (http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com ) and his blogging activities were given an international exposure when he delivered a paper, Blogging 101, in the General Conference of the Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (Manila, Philippines, March 25-30, 2006).

In this paper, he expounded, among other things, the importance of blogging.

And it was through his blog that his name has become famous among bloggers, and his writing skill has improved.

Von is now in America on his way to Canada for his PhD degree at the University of Toronto this August.

Hopefully, he will be the next Filipino librarian with a PhD degree, although he said: "i haven't really been officially a librarian since i graduated and got my license in 2004... except on the blog. it's really ironic".

Lil-Esper S. Duhina, an Extra-Ordinary Nurse

Lil-Esper S. Duhina, an Extra-Ordinary Nurse
Melcichon
September 3, 2012

“Good afternoon, everybody!” says a nurse holding a sphygmomanometer or blood pressure meter and a stethoscope as she entered the library where I work.

“Good afternoon,” I answered her. “I am glad you came over. May I help you?” I asked her.

“Thanks,” she said. “Actually, I came here to extend our medical service to you and your library staff. I know you are all too busy to visit our medical clinic even just to have your blood pressure checked up. So I came over here.”

It reminded me of the old saying: “If Mohammed cannot go the mountain, let the mountain go to Mohammed.”

“Oh, how nice of you,” I said. “You are the first nurse I know who goes around to extend medical services to the college personnel.” My observation about her was also observed by my colleagues at St. Therese-MTC Colleges Library when I asked them of what they can say about this nurse.

This is Ms. Lil-Esper Sumergido Duhina of Pototan, Iloilo and presently the college nurse of St, Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Molo, Iloilo City. Her name came from the combination of her mother’s name, Lira, and from the name of her father’s mother, Esperanza.

Days after that visit, she again came to our Library informing us that there were seminars on brain attack and on eyesight, and encouraged us to attend to these seminars. She said that the resource persons are all experts in their respective fields. Indeed they were. The resource person on eyesight was Dr. Julia Z. Villanueva, MD, of the Department of Health, Western Visayas, while the speaker on brain attack was Dr. Steven G. Baclaian, MD, FAFNI.

So I said to myself, I will write something about her. She deserves to be emulated.

That led me to ask her why she is doing all these things.

“I’m just doing my job as your college nurse.” And she added:  “we (nurses) are blessings. She continued, “being a nurse is a gift, sir, and I don't want to waste that gift.”

That is right. Nurses are blessings. I wish all nurses are like her—concerned of the health of her fellowmen, and very approachable.

Ms. Duhina was born in Gharian, Libya. So was her brother, Jian Paolo.

She told me that her parents were then working in Libya where she was born. Her mother was a nurse then. Her father was an all around steward in a French company in Libya.

While in Libya, Lil-Esper learned English with an Indian tutor because her mother did not want her to speak Arabic.

After five years of stay in Libya, her mother decided to bring Lil-Esper to Iloilo mainly for academic reason. Her brother was brought to the Philippines before he reached one year old.

She was enrolled at Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, Iloilo City, It was also there where she finished her high school.

After graduation from high school, she enrolled at Central Philippine University (CPU), Iloilo City for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.|

Although a nursing degree was not her first choice, but because her parents wanted her to be a nurse instead of becoming a lawyer, she yielded to her parents' desire.

And eventually, she slowly loved the profession.

It was in CPU where she learned the value of knowledge, attitudes and skills.

“Even if you are intelligent and skillful, but if you have unacceptable attitude, you are nothing,” she said. “These three things,” she continued, “must have equilibrium.”

And this philosophy has been his guiding principle in her professional life as a nurse.

She finished her BSN degree at Central Philippine University in 2008 and passed the nursing licensure board exam in the same year.

To improve her nursing skills, she volunteered as a nurse-trainee at the following hospitals St. Therese-MTCC Hospital, Iloilo Doctors Hospital and at Great Saviour International Hospital, all in Iloilo City from August 17, 2009 to November 28, 2011.

Before the end of her training at Great Saviour International Hospital, she had applied in one of the hospitals in Libya and at St. Therese-MTC Colleges as a nurse. She said that whoever will be the first to hire her as a nurse, that would be the place where she would work with.

And fortunately, it was the St. Therese-MTC Colleges that accepted her first. So, she set aside Libya. It was also a double blessings in disguise because had she been accepted by a Libyan hospital, she would have experienced the hardship of the recent war in that country.

And if she had been hired by the Libyan hospital, I could not have written this short profile.

Evelyn Nabor Revestir: A Pride of Lezo, Aklan

Evelyn Nabor Revestir: A Pride of Lezo, Aklan
By Melchor F. Cichon
November 24, 2012

Can we predict whether a child will grow to be an achiever or not?

I do.

What could be my bases?

First, if that child is healthy both in body and mind.

And she/he has developed self-confidence and dedication in whatever he/she does.

I am thinking of a lady achiever from Lezo, Aklan. Her name is Evelyn Nabor Revestir.

She came from a family of achievers.

Consider the following. Her father, the late Gabriel Navarrete Gubatina Nabor was a painter, sculptor and teacher, while her mother is Mrs. Adela Cezar Isidro Ibuyan was a retired Elementary School teacher. Her brothers are Rev. Fr. Jerome I. Nabor and the late Gabriel I. Nabor, a B.S. Architecture, UP Diliman, Quezon City graduate. Her other brother is Victorico Ibuyan Nabor, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Central Philippine University, now residing and working at the Department of Agriculture in Iloilo City. Her sister is Mary Grace N. Cajels, a B. S. Nursing, now in Brooklyn , New York, USA.

Early in her studies, Evelyn had already shown her top caliber intelligence. From Grade I to Grade V, she was always their First Honors and when she graduated in her elementary grades, she was their Valedictorian.

Her academic achievements did not stop there. She graduated as Magna cum laude with the Highest Distinction in Religion when she received her BS in Commerce, Major in Accounting degree at the Aklan College, now the Aklan Catholic College, Kalibo, Aklan.

Even before she graduated from college, Evelyn employed as a working student at De Paul Community Credit Union, Kalibo, Aklan; Aklan College Employees Cooperative, and at Aklan College Treasurer’s Office as a bookkeeper.

Immediately after her graduation from college, Evelyn worked as a bookkeeper in Rural Bank of Buruanga (Aklan), Inc., then as an Accountant at Rural Bank of Lezo (Aklan), Inc., in Lezo, Aklan, and retired as manager of UCPB Rural Bank, Inc, in Lezo, Aklan.

With this background, I have no doubt that whatever endeavor Evelyn or Eve will get into, she will surely give her best, most especially when it comes to public service.

Like · · · November 25 at 12:09pm

• 

  Evelyn Nabor Revestir Your effort is very well appreciated. Thank you so much Nong Melchor you're such a very great writer and I wish there will be more Melchor Cichon in the new generation of our beloved town Lezo.

  November 25 at 12:38pm · Edited · Like
• 

  Alberto Teston Jr. Evelyn Nabor Revestir also have a brother Vic Ibuyan Nabor who as well is a great achiever. He was our first honor from first to sixth grade and carried on to be our valedictorian in High School. A UP scholar with a Degree in Agricultural studies.

  November 25 at 2:11pm · Like · 1
• 

  Evelyn Nabor Revestir Thanks Jr. Vic was a COCOFED scholar. Anong Jerome was also a consistent honor pupil in LES, Gracia 3rd Honorable Mention and the late Gabriel Jr. was also 1st honors from Gr. I to VI and also in LI. Di gid ako mahuya magpost kara ar ruyon manlang ro amon nga ikapabugae nga manggad paagi sa hugod ko amon nga loving parents.

  November 25 at 9:13pm · Like · 3
• 

  Erick Cawaling Crispino Cahilig Mga makarayang tawo ro kinahang ean it anong Banwang Lezo...

  November 26 at 12:52am via mobile · Like
• 

  Evelyn Nabor Revestir Sana thanks

  November 27 at 9:54pm · Like
• 

  Vic Ibuyan Nabor with your support we can make a difference. Thanks gid kinyo.

  November 27 at 11:10pm · Like · 1

• Erick Cawaling Crispino Cahilig and 7 others like this.
• View all 6 comments
• 

  Evelyn Nabor Revestir Sana thanks

  November 27 at 9:54pm · Like
• 

  Vic Ibuyan Nabor with your support we can make a difference. Thanks gid kinyo.

  November 27 at 11:10pm · Like · 1

Mariah Reden Nicopior Montaño: A Model Librarian

by

Melchor F. Cichon
December 11, 2012

She is an orderly and intelligent lady.

These words came from her best friend, Christine Dianne Macuro popularly known as Apple Manzanas. 

Reden was born in Antique. 

Through Apple,  I gathered that Reden graduated cum laude  at Central Philippines University, Jaro, Iloilo City in 2011. 

After her graduation, she worked as a librarian at AMA Computer College in Iloilo.

But like many other young professionals, Reden transferred to the West Visayas State University (WVSU). She is still at the WVSU Library.

According to Reden, she realized that it is not only money that makes her happy. It is also the contentment of the library clientele that makes her smile even after her duties.

According to her, there are some supervisors who do not realize the hurt feelings being experienced by their subordinates when the latter are being scolded in front of their colleagues for a little mistakes they committed.  It seems that the supervisors do not also commit mistakes.  This deviant behavior of some supervisors is at times the main cause of the subordinates' decision to transfer to other libraries.  And when they are being asked during the exit interview, they would just say, their families have changed residences. Or they just want to have a new experience. But the truth is, they just want to get out of their undesirable environment.

But these librarians do not change their professions.

When I asked Reden what sticks her to librarianship, she told me this:

“The information. I learn to love this profession because I have no other choice. I have the privilege of saying I have a great job that I really enjoy. It also has endless varieties and frequent updates, and it makes an important contribution to the world by providing up-to-date and relevant information to the readers at the fastest way possible. What if there’s no library? Maybe the readers will only rely on the internet. But not all information in the internet is reliable and accurate. So books and internet must complement each other.

“And I have this job that pays well when compared to other professions. Not so big cause I’m just a newbee. But I know of some librarians who receive more than thirty thousand pesos a month—thanks to CHED’S accreditation program of schools, colleges and universities.”

When I asked her what advice she can share to our young men and women to make librarianship enjoyable/ challenging, she said: 

“Librarianship is a challenging and enjoyable profession especially when you put your heart into it. Always eager to learn and work for the best. I have this quote from Bob Marley, 'Don’t gain the world and lose your soul, Wisdom is better than silver or gold.' Serve heartily. Don’t mind competition. Just learn and share your knowledge to others.”

Reden continued: “In my experience as a librarian, I faced different clients with different attitudes and personalities. I can’t cater to all of them at the same time  because at times I am a one-man librarian. One time, I experienced anger. I had this one client who shouted at me because I did not allow him to enter the library because he had no library card. Library card is the requirement to enter the library. That’s the policy. I was just consistent with the policy of the library, I explained to him. He was so angry that he banged the door when he left the room. He also said bad words at me. That moment made me teary. For the first time in my life I experienced that. But because I’m a professional librarian, I just instructed him to bring his library next time.

"I told myself to be patient. I remembered this quote from a Chinese proverb, 'If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.' So I always wear a cheerful countenance at all time."

What a wise word from a young lady librarian.