On December 5, 2025, librarians and information professionals gathered at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City for a meaningful and inspiring event organized by the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. – Northern Mindanao Region Librarians Council and the Academic Libraries Information Network with the theme: Beyond Borders: The Role of Academic Libraries in Strengthening Internationalization Through Library Resources and Services.
The event was highlighted with the empowering talk delivered by Dr. Melody Agcito, Director of the College Library Services Office of City College of Cagayan de Oro and current President of PLAI-NMRLC. Her presentation, titled “Empowering the Association: PLAI-NMRLC’s Guiding Policies for Collective Growth,” captured the attention of attendees, particularly newly registered librarians and emerging leaders in the profession.
She also emphasized the importance of unified leadership, encouraging library leaders to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and shared responsibility. According to her, leadership within professional associations should not only direct but also empower members to actively participate and contribute to collective goals.
Moreover, Dr. Agcito highlighted the value of active membership, urging librarians to take an engaged role in association initiatives and decision-making processes. She stressed that the strength of any organization lies in the commitment and participation of its members, making collective growth both possible and sustainable.
The session left a strong impression on participants, serving as both a source of motivation and a call to action, reinforcing the importance of collaboration, policy-driven leadership, and active engagement in advancing the field of librarianship.
This event strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, as it promotes continuous professional development, lifelong learning, and capacity-building among librarians.
Indeed, the event stands as a testament to the shared commitment of PLAI-NMRLC and ALINET in nurturing empowered, proactive, and future-ready librarians—anchored not only in professional excellence but also in contributing to broader global development goals.