The Librarians Forum and Oath Taking Ceremony, organized by the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) – Northern Mindanao Region Librarians Council, was successfully held on December 6, 2024, at the City College of Cagayan de Oro (CCCDO) Audio-Visual Room. The event gathered professional librarians, library staff, and educators from various institutions across the region to strengthen professional collaboration and promote sustainable library practices.
Serving as the Resource Speaker, Dr. Jestoni P. Babia, President of the City College of Cagayan de Oro, delivered an insightful presentation on the topic “Integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Libraries.” His discussion highlighted the crucial role of libraries in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing how libraries can become catalysts for inclusive education, innovation, and community development.
Dr. Babia underscored that libraries are more than repositories of knowledge—they are active agents of social transformation. By aligning programs and services with SDG targets such as Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17), libraries can empower communities, support lifelong learning, and foster equity in access to information. He also encouraged participants to champion sustainability-driven initiatives in their institutions, including digital literacy, environmental advocacy, and inclusive library spaces.
The forum also featured the Oath Taking Ceremony for newly licensed and inducted librarians, marking a milestone in their professional journey. The event concluded with words of encouragement from PLAI officers, expressing gratitude to CCCDO for hosting and commending the participants’ commitment to advancing library and information services in Northern Mindanao.
Overall, the Librarians Forum and Oath Taking Ceremony successfully strengthened the network of library professionals in the region. Through Dr. Babia’s inspiring session and the shared advocacy for sustainability, the event reaffirmed the vital contribution of libraries and librarians in building informed, resilient, and sustainable communities.