By Anthony A. Araos
Ifugao Board Member Joseph Odan introduced recently an ordinance outlining the plan of putting up the must-have provincial library.
“This will be a big help to our people, especially among the young population,” Odan told the ZigZag Weekly in an exclusive interview.
“You can be sure that this representation is with them in promoting and protecting the education sector across the province,” he added.
The two-storey, dilapidated and widely “condemned” extension wing of the provincial capitol building was demolished few years back. This virtually ended the library’s existence.
Odan once more showed that he valued immensely education by doing all he could to make a dent to realize this important task.
He expressed hope that the provincial government would have resources next year to find the appropriations “that would directly benefit the people.”
If not, there are some options supporting alternative ways of resolving the problem. Possibly, tapping the private sector for infrastructure development is the way to go given the provincial government’s limited resources.
Utilizing one of the many vacant, vast offices at the new building as a temporary library site is possible. Its strategic location near commercial outlets, educational institutions, a church and municipal hall ensures convenience for most folks.
Several teachers and principals already thanked Board Member Odan for being “decisive” in pushing the ordinance.
The library is a hub to learning, information access and community engagement.
That is not all. Moreover, it contributes to literacy development and digital inclusion.
The library is more than just a hub, more than just another building. It also opens opportunities even for professionals. The preparation of the youth for the future is of great consequence. Here, the government connects with the people.
Stupid, little educated and uneducated folks have small interest in advancing these goals. This is simply annoying. It is despicable, regrettable and distasteful. This brings the cell phone issue to the fore. Poor folks can’t buy cell phones. Answers from google are not allowed in an examination. Social media tools are seen as harmful to the young. It subverts the public’s faith and confidence, as it is viewed to distorting values, not strengthen them, make people gullible to “fake news” and expose and hook the young to violent gaming apps.
Regular visits to libraries play an important part in a balanced education. A perfect balance of wisdom, contentment and enjoyment all in one breathe.
Under the program, there is an advisory committee. All loaded with functionaries tied with the officialdom. No independent-minded voice for the civil sector, when they are charting a future where no community is left behind.
Today, Board Member Odan is clearly stepping into a more visible, people-centered role. He surely wants the people to enjoy the benefits of education. He is helping them to understand and appreciate the values of education more clearly than ever before.
In a highly competitive world where Ifugao is far behind in attracting the best resources into the province, it needs to be set in stone by putting up a modern library. The standards of education in Ifugao have noticeably declined. What is needed is nothing less than a library with theses and dissertations section offering access to research studies produced by the University of the Philippines and other renowned institutions in Metro Manila.
Through Odan’s active involvement and guidance, something impactful is about to happen. Youngsters and others shall have a place of learning and community where they are nurtured, encouraged and inspired to pursue their dreams.
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