During the PLAI Congress 2025 in Bacolod, we are honored to introduce the newly elected officers of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) who will guide, lead, inspire and support our community for 2026–2027. With their leadership, dedication, and commitment to advancing librarianship, we anticipate another period of progress, partnership, and meaningful innovation. Let us warmly congratulate and stand behind our new leaders as they officially begin their service in January 2026.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to 𝐃𝐫. 𝐀𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐥 𝐒. 𝐄𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 on his appointment as Secretary of PLAI for 2026–2027!

Oath-Taking Ceremony of PLAI NBOT & HOD Officers (2026–2027)

A memorable highlight of the PLAI Congress 2025 was the oath-taking of the newly elected National Board of Trustees and House of Delegates officers. This event formally affirmed their dedication to uphold the core values of the profession and to serve with integrity and purpose.

This ceremony marks the start of a renewed chapter for PLAI—one grounded in collaboration, unity, and a continued commitment to advocacy and excellence in librarianship for 2026–2027.

#PLAIcongress

#Oath-taking

#Leadership

During the PLAI Congress 2025, the library exchanged journals with Ms. Emelina N. Rosales, Librarian of Mindanao State University–General Santos City and Ms. Paulina T. Baba, Head Librarian of Davao del Norte State College. This initiative aims to expand the universities’ collections and strengthen linkages between institutions. Additionally, the resource exchange promotes collaborative learning, supports research through access to diverse scholarly materials, encourages the sharing of best practices in library management, and fosters long-term partnerships that enhance academic and professional development across institutions. 

#Academiclinkages

#Journalexchange

#WPUlibraries

The Western Philippines University (WPU) Library celebrated National Book Week from October 20–24, 2025, with the theme “WPU Libraries: Tulay ang Pagbasa sa Bukas na Puno ng Pag-asa.” The week showcased vibrant competitions and a strong appreciation for reading, culture, and learning.

The celebration opened on Day 1 immediately after the flag-raising ceremony, where the Campus Librarian announced the week’s activities. Library staff completed preparations, organized contest registrations, and set up displays. Engagement began early with the posting of the First Daily Trivia.

Day 2 saw growing participation, highlighted by the first session of the Adult Quiz Bee, which encouraged friendly intellectual competition. The Second Daily Trivia was posted, and the first creative submissions were received for the Tagbanua Poem Writing, Digital Bookmark, and Book Trailer competitions.

Day 3 recorded the highest activity level. Multiple sessions of the Adult Quiz Bee were conducted due to strong interest. The Third and Fourth Daily Trivia were released. Creative contests surged with four new Book Trailer entries, four Digital Bookmark submissions, and three additional Tagbanua Poem entries.

Day 4 centered on creativity and evaluation. The Fifth Daily Trivia marked the end of the week-long trivia series. The main event was the Poster Painting Contest, where participants illustrated the theme artistically. Final submissions also came in—one more Digital Bookmark entry, two for Animated Storytelling, and two more Tagbanua Poems. Judges then evaluated all entries based on creativity, relevance, and technical quality.

The final day was devoted to celebration. After posting the Sixth Daily Trivia, the community gathered at 3:00 PM for the Awarding Ceremony and Closing Program. Winners of all events—including Trivia, Quiz Bee, Poster Painting, Book Trailer, Digital Bookmark, Tagbanua Poem Writing, and Animated Storytelling—were recognized.

National Book Week 2025 was a resounding success, with strong participation across the campus. The variety of activities—from intellectual challenges to cultural and digital creativity—ensured that everyone found a meaningful way to engage. The event reaffirmed the library’s role as the campus hub for learning and creativity and highlighted how reading continues to serve as a bridge to a hopeful future.

#Nationalbookweek2025

#WPUcelebration

#wpulibrary

Finally, may tahanan na para sa mga chikiting ng WPU! The Western Philippines University Library proudly launched the Balay it Wawa Child-Minding Center on October 6, 2025 at the Main Library. This new facility provides a safe, supervised, and play-based environment where children can learn and stay engaged while their parents fulfill their roles as faculty, staff, or students. It also features a dedicated lactation room for nursing mothers, promoting maternal wellness and supporting a healthier work-life balance within the WPU community. It also features a dedicated lactation room for nursing mothers, providing a supportive environment that promotes maternal health and work-life balance among WPU personnel and students. 

The event was graced by the presence of WPU President Dr. Amabel S. Liao who delivered an inspiring message to the audience. “I truly recognize the importance of centers like this, having experienced what it’s like to be a mother balancing both work and parenthood,” Dr. Liao shared. She also expressed her gratitude to the GAD Office as well as the University Library for initiating the project, noting that the idea had been “on the shelf,” awaiting the right time and people to make it happen. 

With this initiative, WPU continues to lead with compassion and innovation, fostering not only academic excellence but also community well-being.

#wpuchildmindingcenter

#wpulibrary

'Araw ng Parangal' Celebrates BSBA and BPA Student Intern Achievements

The Araw ng Parangal: A Culminating Program for BSBA & BPA Interns, SY 2024-2025 was successfully held on May 9, 2025, starting promptly at 9:00 AM, to formally acknowledge the significant achievements of student interns from the College of Business and Management. Following a prayer led by Mr. Jovelyn Gomez and opening remarks from Ms. Suziet Q. Telliama, the program moved to recognition, where Mrs. Elena B. Omagap, the OJT In-charge, presented the valuable outputs of the interns before the official awarding of certificates. The ceremony included an encouraging message from OJT Coordinators Mrs. Cherryl L. Quilang and Mr. Rayan Dan Venturillo, and heartfelt responses delivered by Mr. Joey Carlo R. Franco (BSBA Intern) and Ms. Jennel S. Ombang (BPA Intern) on behalf of their peers. University Librarian Mr. Arneil S. Enario delivered a compelling message encouraging the interns to strive for continuous professional improvement as they transition into their careers, concluding with a final message from Mrs. Omagap to close the successful recognition program.

#Internachievements

#recognition

Library Personnel Give Back to the Community

On December 16, 2024, the Main Library personnel proudly extended their services beyond the university campus by successfully executing a meaningful outreach initiative at Ramon Magsaysay Elementary School, demonstrating a strong commitment to community literacy. As part of this effort, students from Grades 1 through 4 received much-needed school supplies, while a valuable selection of reading materials and educational resources were formally presented to the School Principal, Mrs. Teresita G. Joya. This comprehensive gesture aimed to significantly enrich the elementary school's learning environment and provide students with enhanced access to both essential supplies and books, powerfully reinforcing the library's mission to promote education and a love for reading throughout the broader community.

#WPUlibraryOutreachprogram

#libraryservice

Strategic Workshop Builds Resilient and Prepared Library System

The Main Library successfully hosted a comprehensive two-day Seminar-Workshop on Library Continuity Plan, Disaster Preparedness, and Parliamentary Skills on December 11-12, 2024, which commenced with an opening ceremony featuring a welcome address from University Librarian Arneil S. Enario and an inspirational message from Dr. Lita B. Sopsop, Vice President for Academic Affairs. Day one focused heavily on organizational development: Mrs. Mary Jane O. Lucero and Ms. Haide S. Ombalino led Session 1 on Accreditation, followed by Mark Anthony C. Esteban guiding the Library Program Planning Workshop, and Arnel D. Laspiñas concluding the day with OPCR Updates. Day two began with a participant-led recap of the previous day, before Mr. Enario took the floor to discuss crucial protocols for Disaster Preparedness. The workshop culminated with a practical application session on Parliamentary Skills presented by Mark Fanengfeng, Jr., after which certificates were awarded to all participants and resource speakers, and the program was formally closed by Ms. Suziet Q. Telliama with a message of encouragement to the entire staff.

#seminarworkshop

#WPULibrary

#strategicworshop

The library successfully conducted a crucial two-day Workshop on Library Collection Evaluation: The Next Level Analysis, held on December 9-10, 2024, at the WPU Puerto Princesa Campus Library. This specialized program provided library personnel, including the campus library in-charge from Quezon and Busuanga, and selected staff from the Main and PPC libraries, with advanced techniques and methodologies for conducting in-depth analysis of the library’s collection, moving beyond basic statistics to understand resource utilization, alignment with academic programs, and strategic development needs. The program focused on utilizing analytical tools and data-driven insights to ensure the collection remains relevant, high-quality, and maximally supportive of the university's research and instructional goals. The University Librarian, Mr. Arneil S. Enario served as the resource speaker.

#workshop

#WPULibrary

Western Philippines University (WPU) and Holy Trinity University (HTU) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement to share library resources, strengthening educational collaboration in Palawan. The initiative, led by WPU Librarian Arneil Enario, aims to connect Palawan’s educational centers, enhancing knowledge accessibility for the Palaweño community.

The ceremonial signing on November 13, 2024, featured HTU President Sr. Elenita B. Ocampo and WPU President Dr. Amabel Liao, who emphasized the spirit of cooperation over competition. They were joined by HTU Head Librarian Gina Pagliawan and WPU PPC Campus Librarian Mary Jane Lucero.

This partnership coincides with the National Book Week, which celebrates reading and literacy nationwide.

#WPULibraryServices

#WPUxHTU

#NationalBookWeek

📖 National Book Week Kicks Off with Digital Launch and Literary Celebration

In an impactful start to the 2024 National Book Week, the Western Philippines University (WPU) Library, led by University Librarian Mr. Arniel S. Enario, amplified its resources by officially launching its new Netbook Loaning Service immediately following the flag-raising ceremony on November 4, 2024. This critical project, sponsored by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) Federation and designed to support the academic needs of all bona fide students, faculty, and staff, was formally inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony graced by University President Dr. Amabel S. Liao, symbolizing WPU's commitment to digital accessibility.

Continuing the literary momentum that afternoon, the library proudly hosted the launch of Dr. Mary Grace A. Jagmis' newly published book, Mga Tultol it mga Tagbanua (Mga Kwentong Bayan ng mga Tagbanua). Mr. Enario welcomed the audience by emphasizing the need to patronize, preserve, and explore literature about Palawan's Indigenous People, a sentiment echoed by OIC VPAA Dr. Arlyn B. Celestial, who lauded the author's work as exemplary for future generations; a forum on the author's journey followed, before Campus Librarian Ms. Suziet Q. Telliama closed the program, which was well-attended by the author's family, library staff, and students.

 The week continued to foster literary engagement, featuring student participation across various programs, including the submission and judging of Book Trailer and Tagbanua Poem Writing entries on the 2nd day, Story Telling and Short Story Writing on the 3rd, Painting on the 4th, culminating in the awarding and closing program on the final day.

#NationalBookWeek2024

#WPUlibrary

#Digitallaunch

The Western Philippines University Library conducted a seminar-workshop on the localization of library metadata and library strategic plan evaluation with its personnel from different campuses on July 4-5, 2024 at the Main Campus Library.

Present at the event are the personnel of the WPU Libraries, headed by the University Librarian, Mr. Arneil S. Enario. Presenters include the campus librarian of WPU PPC, Ms. Mary Jane Lucero, the campus librarian of the WPU Main Campus, Ms. Suziet Telliama, the library in-charge of WPU Busuanga Library, Ms. Mary Rose Velasco, library in-charge of WPU Quezon Library, Ms. Regina Lascano, and the in-charge of the WPU Rio Tuba Library, Mr. Errol Mark Solivio. The event highlights the best cataloging practices and workload management for the efficient accomplishment of targets.

#WPUlibrary

#Seminarworkshop

On July 4-5, 2024, the Main Library successfully hosted an intensive and productive two-day seminar workshop that gathered all library personnel from across all campuses to enhance operational efficiency and system-wide strategic alignment. The first day centered on technical excellence, with Ms. Suziet Q. Telliama and Mrs. Mary Jane O. Lucero leading the morning with a deep dive into best practices in cataloging. The afternoon saw University Librarian Mr. Arneil S. Enario guiding the crucial mid-year strategic plan evaluation, which ensured all library initiatives remained aligned with institutional goals. Day two commenced with comprehensive OPCR (Office Performance Commitment and Review) presentations, reviewing the second cycle performance of the different campus libraries. The workshop concluded in the afternoon with Mrs. Mary Jane Lucero detailing essential library work instructions to standardize services, followed by Mr. Enario’s final session on strategies for effective customer relationship management, leaving the entire team unified and better equipped for the remainder of the year.

#WPUlibrary

#staffseminarandworkshop

WPU Library Personnel joined the investiture of the new University President of WPU, Dr. Amabel S. Liao, on June 10, 2024, at Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum, Puerto Princesa City. President Liao is the fourth president of the WPU. During the event, she shared her vision and mission of progress for the University regarding instructions, research, and extension.

Aside from the WPU university officials, employees, and student leaders, the event was graced by the presence of the President’s family, friends and guests, former WPU Presidents, MIMAROPA and SUC Presidents and Representatives, new and former CHED MIMAROPA Regional Directors, WPU Board of Regents, and the CHED Chairperson, Dr. J. Prospero E. De Vera III and Gov. Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, the Governor of the Province of Palawan.

Gonzales and Fernandez Families, for donating social work materials to our University Library! Rest assured that these will be taken care of and used by our students and researchers. 

Our heartfelt thanks to the social workers from Thailand and the WPU Social Works faculty members for gracing our event with your presence! Your participation has truly enriched the experience for all. 

Also present at the event were the Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Arlene Celestial, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Mr. Warlito V. Fanilag, and the University Librarian, Mr. Arneil Enario. A special thank-you was also given to Dir. Mitch Simyunn for coordinating the event, and the Main Campus Library Personnel, spearheaded by Ms. Suziet Teliama, for the preparation and hosting.

WPU Library Receives Generous Donation in 'Share-A-Book' Program

On May 29, 2024, Western Philippines University Library (WPU) successfully hosted the "Share-A-Book" Turn-Over Program at the University Library, Main Campus, to formally accept a generous donation of social work materials. WPU extends its profound and heartfelt gratitude to the Gonzales and Fernandez Families, an initiative spearheaded by Dr. Benjamin J. Gonzales, former WPU VPRDE, for their invaluable contribution of resources, assuring the donors that these materials will be highly valued and effectively utilized by our dedicated students and researchers. The event was further distinguished by the presence of social workers from Thailand and faculty members from the WPU Social Work Department, alongside university officials, including Dr. Arlene Celestial (Dean of the College of Education), Mr. Warlito V. Fanilag (Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences), and University Librarian Mr. Arneil Enario. Special appreciation is also extended to Dir. Mitchelle Simyunn for her expert coordination of the program and to the Main Campus Library Personnel, under the leadership of Ms. Suziet Teliama, for their excellent preparation and hosting of the momentous occasion.

On April 30, 2024, the library, in a powerful joint effort with Palawan State University, Holy Trinity University, and Western Philippines University, successfully concluded the crucial Seminar Workshop on Intellectual Property Law and Plagiarism, hosted at the Holy Trinity University Library. The day commenced promptly at 8:00 AM with welcoming remarks delivered by Sr. Elenita B. Ocampo, OP, University President of Holy Trinity University, and a key message from American Spaces Philippines, presented by Ms. Pauline Anderson, Deputy Director for Public Engagement, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. Expert sessions followed, featuring Atty. Robelito Hernando Rumpon, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor, DOJ, Palawan, who led a vital discussion on Intellectual Property Law Awareness, and Prof. Jemimah G. Pizarro-Ompad, Managing Director, Asian Journal of Resilience, who thoroughly addressed Plagiarism, Publication, and Authorship. Attended by six personnel from the Main Library, led by University Librarian Arneil S. Enario, alongside numerous participating librarians from public and private schools across the city and neighboring municipalities, this highly effective program equipped all participants with essential, up-to-date knowledge on IP legal frameworks, copyright compliance, and robust strategies for promoting academic integrity.

The Western Philippines University Library was able to record a total of 4671 library visits from January to March 2024. For the month of January, most of the library users, based on the recorded attendance, are from the Bachelor of Science in Social Work program under the College of Arts and Sciences. For February, the highest library users are from the Bachelor of Secondary Education program under the College of Education. For the month of March, the Bachelor of Civil Engineering program from the College of Engineering took the spot of highest attendance in the library.

On April 8, 2024, Western Philippines University issued a memorandum allowing the faculty to transition to a hybrid learning modality during the hot season. It is to prevent students from having excessive exposure to extreme heat, which is dangerous to health. In this case, the University Library participates in the transition. The library continuously operates, welcomes clients, and allows them to enjoy a conducive environment for learning. The University Library has adequate space, air conditioning units and fans, internet connectivity, textbooks, and other learning materials that could be beneficial for learning and research.

In vibrant support of Women's Month, the library proudly presented a special book display dedicated to women's empowerment from March 15-27, 2024. This curated collection featured a diverse array of titles—spanning biographies, histories, and contemporary fiction—all highlighting the remarkable achievements, resilience, and influential voices of women around the globe. This two-week activity was graced by patrons from various colleges and offices to explore this powerful selection, discover inspiring stories, and celebrate the strength, achievements, and ongoing journey toward equality for women worldwide.