2 reading centers fail to follow standard

CEBU, Philippines - Eighteen years had already lapsed after Republic Act 7743 was enacted requiring the barangays to have its own barangay reading centers, but until now, Barangays Mabolo and Kamputhaw still failed to come up with the standard public reading centers.

Cebu City librarian Rosario Chua said Barangays Mabolo and Kamputhaw only have small spaces provided for reading, but it did not pass the category for a Barangay Reading Center.

Rosario said those cities, municipalities and barangays that do not have its libraries or reading centers can be considered not “Child Friendly.”

When The FREEMAN called up Mabolo Barangay Hall yesterday, one of its officials explained that they are trying to improve their reading center.

The law provides that the establishment of the public libraries and reading centers shall be an integral part of the development plan of each local government unit, including the barangays.

Once the public library of a local government unit will qualify to the standards set by law, the National Library will assist them in acquiring books and other materials.

The law also provides that the National Library shall continue to coordinate and organize seminars, workshops and other trainings for the professional benefit of the librarians.

The public libraries and barangay reading centers shall be available to the members of the community, particularly the children.

It can be used as a venue for audio-visual presentations in the community and other kinds of exhibitions and activities aimed at increasing the literacy rate by government agencies, non-governmental organizations or private entities in the dissemination of information of general interest.

The Cebu City library has been provided a budget of P1.8 million this year. Of the said amount, P500,000 is intended for the purchase of additional books and other reading materials.

Chua said the city public library, situated along Osmeña Boulevard, catered to 74,282 individuals, mostly students, in 2012.  —/MIT (FREEMAN)