Beyond Books : When November Ends, Our Commitment to Literacy Must Continue

 

As November comes to a close, many Filipinos may not even realize that this entire month was dedicated to celebrating libraries, books, and literacy. November is not just another page on the calendar — it is Library and Information Services Month, a time meant to honor the vital role of libraries and information professionals in shaping an informed, educated, and empowered nation. It is also a time when reading, book culture, and lifelong learning are highlighted through initiatives such as National Book Week and nationwide reading programs.

Yet for many, November passed quietly.

This silence should not discourage us — instead, it should challenge us.

Libraries are more than buildings filled with books. They are safe spaces for ideas, learning, reflection, research, and truth. They serve students who dream, workers who seek knowledge, researchers who develop innovations, and citizens who simply want to understand the world better. In a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, libraries and librarians stand as symbols of verified information, critical thinking, and intellectual honesty.

Licensed librarians in the Philippines have taken an oath to serve with integrity, professionalism, and dedication. They are committed to protecting access to reliable information, promoting ethical use of knowledge, and guiding every Filipino toward becoming a responsible consumer and sharer of information. Their work is essential — not only in classrooms and universities, but in democracy itself.

However, it is not just the responsibility of librarians to promote literacy. Every Filipino has a role to play.
Parents can read with their children.
Teachers can encourage curiosity beyond the classroom.
Students can choose learning over laziness.
Communities can support local libraries.
Leaders can invest in education and information access.

As November ends, let it not mark the end of our awareness — let it mark the beginning of our commitment.

Next year, we can do better.

We can participate more actively in library programs.
We can share the importance of reading on social media.
We can donate books and volunteer our time.
We can visit libraries more often.
We can teach others to fact-check, verify sources, and value the truth.

A nation that reads is a nation that thinks.
A nation that thinks is a nation that chooses wisely.
A nation that chooses wisely is a nation that can rise.

Let November not be forgotten. Let it be remembered as a reminder: knowledge is power, reading is freedom, and libraries are the heart of a truly educated Philippines.

And next year, together — we will do better.

Licensed Librarians in the Philippines: Guardians of Truth and Champions of Freedom of Information

 

Licensed Librarians in the Philippines: Guardians of Truth and Champions of Freedom of Information

In an age where misinformation spreads faster than truth, society needs trusted professionals who can stand as guardians of verified knowledge. In the Philippines, licensed librarians and Information Literacy professionals hold a vital role in protecting the integrity of information. More than just keepers of books, they are trained experts in identifying credible sources, organizing knowledge, and guiding communities toward accurate and ethical use of information.

One of the greatest strengths of librarians lies in their mastery of information evaluation. Through their education and professional training, they develop the ability to distinguish facts from falsehoods, detect bias, and assess the credibility of sources. This skill positions them as natural fact-checkers in a digital world where fake news, manipulated content, and misleading narratives are common. Their knowledge of research methods, citation practices, and information systems enables them to help individuals, students, and institutions verify information before sharing or acting on it.

Licensed librarians also embody the principles of integrity and impartiality. In the Philippines, becoming a licensed librarian requires passing the Librarians Licensure Examination and adhering to ethical standards set by the profession. Implicit in their oath of service is a commitment to uphold intellectual honesty, maintain professional competence, respect confidentiality, and promote the free flow of information. This oath is not merely symbolic; it reflects their responsibility to serve the public without discrimination, bias, or personal agenda.

Another defining strength of Filipino librarians is their dedication to public service. Whether in schools, universities, public libraries, government offices, or private institutions, librarians support the educational, cultural, and democratic development of the nation. They serve students seeking knowledge, researchers pursuing innovation, citizens demanding transparency, and communities striving for empowerment through education. In doing so, they contribute to the promotion of democratic values, including freedom of information and freedom of expression.

In a country where social media heavily influences public opinion, librarians can become frontliners in Information Literacy campaigns. By conducting workshops, creating awareness programs, and teaching critical thinking skills, they help citizens become more discerning consumers and producers of information. They empower people to ask questions such as: Who created this? What is the evidence? What is the purpose? These simple questions are powerful tools against manipulation and deception.

Furthermore, Filipino librarians are guided by compassion and a deep sense of responsibility. They serve not for recognition, but for the belief that access to accurate information is a human right. Their work supports lifelong learning, informed decision-making, and meaningful participation in society. In this way, their profession is closely aligned with nation-building.

In conclusion, licensed librarians in the Philippines are more than information managers — they are guardians of truth, defenders of knowledge, and advocates for freedom of information. As the world continues to struggle with misinformation, their role becomes not only relevant but essential. It is through their strength, ethics, and unwavering dedication to service that truth can remain accessible, protected, and respected.

“From Serving Tables to Serving Knowledge: How Learning Sparked Tiffany Paovella’s Path Toward Librarianship”

 

From Restaurant Hustle to Tech Dreams: Tiffany Paovella’s Journey with Verizon Skill Forward

In the quiet town of Ossining, New York, Tiffany Paovella once found herself juggling the fast-paced demands of running a restaurant and the responsibilities of raising three teenagers. While the food service industry had once fueled her passion, the constant unpredictability and long hours began to wear her down. Tiffany longed for something steadier—a career that could provide both stability and growth for her family’s future.

Her journey toward change began unexpectedly at the local library, where she took a part-time job. Surrounded by shelves of knowledge and opportunity, Tiffany decided to continue her education, building on her associate’s degree through an online bachelor’s program. One day, while scrolling through social media, she came across an ad that would change her path: Verizon Skill Forward.

“I saw an ad that said, apply if you would like to learn about STEM courses that are available for free,” Tiffany recalled. “And I was like, if it’s for free, it’s for me.”

Curious and motivated, she signed up. To her delight, Skill Forward’s flexible, online format fit perfectly into her busy schedule. The wide selection of courses opened new doors—offering her access to cutting-edge lessons in technology, coding, communication, and business. “All these skills are useful and play into getting a job in this field,” she shared. “The more you have, the more beneficial. This is the future and where the demand is.”

Through Verizon Skill Forward, Tiffany found not just education but empowerment. The program’s mission—to help 50,000 individuals prepare for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030—resonated deeply with her. By providing tuition-free access to over 250 courses across 84 professional certificate programs, Verizon’s initiative gives learners like Tiffany the tools to transform their lives and careers.

Her story is a testament to how determination, opportunity, and the right program can reshape one’s future. For Tiffany Paovella, the shift from restaurant owner to aspiring tech professional marks more than a career change—it’s a story of rediscovery, resilience, and hope.

To learn more about how you can begin your own transformation, visit Verizon Skill Forward today.

credits : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJBVD3yLKdY

The Librarian Secret Files : about Librarians, Libraries, and Librarianship in the Philippines.

Welcome to Librarian Secret Files, the ultimate hub for everything you need to know about Librarianship, Librarians, and Libraries in the Philippines. Whether you’re a student, professional, researcher, or simply a lover of knowledge, this blog opens the doors to the fascinating world of information science in the Filipino context.

Here’s what you’ll discover:

• Insights on Librarianship in the Philippines – Learn how the profession evolves with technology, education, and the challenges of modern information management.

• Stories of Filipino Librarians – Be inspired by real experiences, achievements, and reflections from librarians across different sectors.

• Library Features and Innovations – Explore libraries in the Philippines—how they operate, innovate, and continue to serve as learning havens for communities.

• Professional Growth and Ethics – Gain valuable knowledge on professionalism, accountability, and the ethical duties that guide librarians in serving the public.

• Educational and Career Guides – Find practical advice and reflections that will guide you in your journey toward becoming a competent and passionate information professional.

• Commentaries and Personal Reflections – Read authentic thoughts and opinions about life, work, and the values that shape the identity of a Filipino librarian.