BY MARY JOY CAVAÑAS
ILOILO City – The city government wants to put up learning facilities across the seven districts of the metro as part of its initiatives to further enhance public libraries here.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Asia Foundation recently expressed their intention to donate three container vans of books including children’s book for the city libraries.
A business process outsourcing (BPO) company also donated their used computer sets so the city government just needs to provide internet connections.
“Gapasalamat kita sa donation nga halin sa isa ka BPO company, mga daan nila nga computers na-donate nila sa aton. So ginabutang ta na sa library ta, butangan ta internet connection. Kung may internet connection, mga kabataan nagakadto to, nagatuon. So ang aton library gina-usar not only for research but also for study areas,” the city mayor added.
The improvement of libraries also aims to encourage young ones to read.
“We want the love for reading for children to be back kay ti bal-an niyo subong kalabanan mga cellphone, gakaon naga-cellphone. Indi pareho sang una nga sang tiempo ko ya waay pa TV, kundi basa na lang,” Treñas stressed.
Several public libraries were already established in the city.
The city’s main library is currently housed at the Graciano Lopez Jaena Shrine and Learning Center in Jaro district.
Another city government-run public library is located in Sta. Filomena in Arevalo district. This is just a temporary site as the city government is establishing a permanent one, and will be named Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña Public Library.
The city government also transformed the second floor of daycare centers in Quintin Salas, Jaro; Nabitasan, La Paz; and Rizal Pala-pala, City Proper into a library.
The said libraries are open Mondays to Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other libraries to be set up will be in a community center in La Paz and another one on General Luna Street, City Proper.
“Mabutang kita isa sa La Paz. Kag kanami may mga partners kita sa civil society,” Treñas added./PN
