PAARL’s Circle of Presidents -Association’s Power Gems- Attends GA!

Fourteen (14) past presidents of PAARL attended the 36th General Assembly with officers’ induction and awarding ceremonies that took place in the auditorium of the National Library last January 30, 2009 (Friday). Mrs. Salvacion Arlante (1987), Guest of Honor, challenged and inspired all to keep on embracing the ideals of the Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians or PAARL as a professional organization. Arlante, UP University Librarian, officiated the oath-taking ceremony of this year’s executive board before a crowd of more than 150 members, guests and exhibitors greeted by TNL Director Mrs. Prudenciana C. Cruz during opening ceremonies. She was summoned to accept in behalf of Dr. Marilou P. Tadlip, Director of Libraries of the University of San Carlos Library System, Cebu City the Plaque of Recognition and a cash gift for Outstanding Library of the Year Award for 2008. The award is given to an academic or research library for its outstanding national contribution to academic or research librarianship and library development in the Philippines. PRC BFL Chair Corazon M. Nera (1983) expressed her admiration to the Association for its financial strength and management after Ms. Jocelyn Balangue (DLSU) reported details and suggested also that funds be appropriated to quality controlled scholarly, scientific publications and assist members by stirring more scholarship announcements. Ms. Marietta D. Molina (2007) who introduced the guest of honor was positively receptive and took the initiative to put it on air in the auditorium soon after acknowledging the presence of former PRC BFL Chair Ms. Perla Garcia who appeared to be contented and enjoying her retirement. 1990 president and Committee Chair on NOMELEC 2008, Mr. Rodolfo Y. Tarlit, whose work was to read out 2008 election results revealed that there might be another and the third male president in the next years of PAARL -first, the Outstanding Library Program of the Year Award recipient for his Philippine Library Materials Project Foundation, Inc, Mr. Rogelio B. Mallillin in 1982, himself in 1990 and Mr. Christopher C. Paras who now serves as vice-president and conference chair as well. Sr. Ignatius R. Tal Placido (2006), Committee Chair on Awards 2008, officially presented 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award to Ms. Lolita P. Gonzales (1988) as recipient of the highest recognition given to an academic/research librarian as a hallmark of professional excellence – outstanding service, dedicated career and remarkable leadership. The audience congratulated -was pleased- and expressed best wishes to Dr. Enrique T. Cayaban (Director of Libraries, Saint Mary's University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya) and Dr. Ma. Teresa P. Baylon (Chief Librarian of the Philippine Normal University-Agusan Campus, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur) for being recipients of the Outstanding Academic/Research Librarian of the Year Award for 2008, from Luzon and Mindanao respectively. The award, specifically, gives recognition to an individual librarian who has made an outstanding national or regional contribution to academic or research librarianship and library development. Certificates of appreciation were handed to thirty-one (31) sponsors by Mrs. Loreto T. Garcia (Ex-Officio) for their continued support to PAARL. Other past presidents who graced this important affair were Mrs. Teresita C. Moran (1989), Mrs. Marlo C. Chavez (1993), Mrs. Rebecca M. Jocson (1994), Ms. Belen M. Vibar (1995), Dr. Teresita G. Hernandez (2002), Ms. Susan O. Pador (2003) and Ms. Dionisia M. Angeles (2005). Ms. Sonia Lourdes L. David (APS) hosted the affair with Ms. Purita P. Uson (PWU) for the invocation while FEATI University Chorale interpreted Lupang Hinirang and two folk songs at the assembly. The celebration started with preliminary activities namely registration, directory and newsletter distribution, call to order, approval of the minutes of the 2008, general meeting,president’s report and treasurer’s report. Noteworthily, 2009 President Ms. Elvira B. Lapuz wholeheartedly accepted duties and obligations in her speech while Vice-President Mr. Christopher C. Paras detailed specific activities as PAARL's professionals' bests in the months to come.