Coping with the challenges of the ASEAN integration based on the Philippine school library standards

Abstract

When ASEAN turned 30 years old in 1997, ASEAN leaders adopted ASEAN Vision 2020 to create deeper partnership among member nations. In 2003, the idea of an ASEAN Community was established. One area of cooperation is human resources development and capacity building, and the recognition of Professional Qualification to build a skilled workforce. Filipino graduates should be able to compete in the global market at par with the graduates of the nine other ASEAN member-countries. The K to 12 Program was established, but it still cannot meet all challenges in making our graduates at par with graduates of other ASEAN countries. Filipino librarians also want to meet the challenges of upgrading librarianship and libraries in the country based on the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)/United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Philippine Library Standards. Upgrading librarianship and libraries in the country is a daunting task considering their current state and number. School librarians should focus on skills enhancement and continuing professional development by taking part in advanced library studies programs. There is a need to revisit the existing library and information science curriculum and to level-up learning standards and practices. Reforms needed to upgrade the profession and libraries in the country include librarians’ continuing education, acquisition of print and non-print materials and technologies, better working environment, and more linkage and networking to broaden the base of social support for libraries and librarians, among others . The PASLI shall play a significant role in future initiatives pertaining to all these. Investments are necessary to ensure the implementation of reforms in libraries, and in our basic educational system, in general. How we will fare in these efforts to be at par with our ASEAN neighbors is simply based on the investments and sacrifices all Filipinos, government and non-government sectors are willing to make.