The Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and UST College of Education, will hold a conference titled Unveiling/Rediscovering Filipiniana: An Update on the State of the Filipiniana Collections in the Philippines on 15-16 October 2025 (optional tour on 17 October 2025) at the University of Santo Tomas, Manila.
Twenty five years after the first assembly of Filipiniana librarians during the seminar, State-of-the-Art of Filipiniana Collections in the Philippines held on 29 November 2000 at the Eugenio Lopez Center in Antipolo City, significant changes and improvements in Filipiniana collections have been observed. There have been advancements, as well as issues, in resources, access, and usage. The definition of Filipiniana has become more inclusive, encompassing a wider range of materials. These collections are vital for preserving and documenting the nation’s cultural and historical memory and identiy, and the librarians who manage them offer essential services to scholars, while also creating new research opportunities for young writers and researchers.
The goal of this 2-day seminar is to:
- Review and assess the progress of the “State of Filipiniana Collections” goals established during the 2000 Eugenio Lopez Foundation anniversary.
- Investigate and showcase the current state and significance of Filipiniana collections across the Philippines.
- Identify and address common issues and challenges faced by Filipiniana collections in the 21st century.
- Develop and promote collaborative activities and initiatives to ensure the continued preservation of Filipiniana materials for future researchers.
- Strengthen relationships and establish linkages among libraries and research centers with Filipiniana collections to enhance the preservation of cultural heritage.
- Establish and promote best practices for the sustainable preservation and conservation of Filipiniana materials, ensuring their longevity for future generations.
- Create educational programs and public engagement initiatives to deepen understanding and appreciation of Filipiniana collections among diverse audiences.
- Improve the digitization and online accessibility of Filipiniana collections to broaden their reach to a global audience.
After the seminar, PAARL hopes that there will be a new roadmap in Filipiniana Librarianship, particularly with the following outcomes:
- Digitized Filipiniana Collections – A comprehensive digital archive of rare and contemporary Filipiniana materials accessible via online platforms, such as digital libraries and databases.
- Improved Accessibility and Visibility – Broader global and local access to Filipiniana resources for scholars, researchers, educators, students, and the general public.
- Institutional Collaboration – Strengthened partnerships among libraries, museums, and cultural centers to promote shared stewardship, resource sharing, and cooperative programs.
- Preservation Frameworks and Policies – Development and implementation of sustainable preservation strategies and institutional guidelines to ensure the long-term protection and management of Filipiniana collections.
- Inclusive and Diverse Representations – A more comprehensive and representative collection that reflects the cultural and historical diversity of the Philippines.
- Educational and Engagement Programs – Public outreach and educational initiatives designed to deepen understanding, encourage scholarly research, and increase public interest in Philippine heritage.
- Cultural Enrichment and Heritage Promotion – Greater national and international awareness and appreciation of the richness of Philippine history and culture through accessible, well-preserved, and actively promoted Filipiniana materials.
FAQs:
- HOW MUCH IS THE REGISTRATION FEE AND WHAT ARE THE INCLUSIONS? The registration fee is being finalized. Reduced rates will be available to PAARL members and early-bird registrants. (For details on how to be a PAARL Member, click here). Updates to the conference will be posted here in the website and PAARL’s social media pages.
- WHERE IS THE CONFERENCE PROGAM AND LETTER OF INVITATION? The program for the seminar is being finalized. It will be posted to the conference website along with the letter of invitation in the coming weeks.
- WHO CAN JOIN? This seminar is open to Librarians, LIS Professionals, and adjacent disciplines who work with or are interested in Filipiniana collections.
- HOW MANY CPD POINTS? None yet; PAARL will apply for CPD points.
More details will be released in the coming weeks! For now, mark your calendars, like PAARL’s FB page, and join our FB Group for updates.
URL : www.paarl.org.ph
Email : paarlbod@gmail.com
FB : @PhilippineAssnofAcademicandResearchLibrarians
#FilCon2025 #PAARLFilCon2025 #PAARLFilipiniana2025