Integration of e-libraries in public libraries sought

A bill at the House of Representatives is seeking to strengthen the public library law by incorporating the latest electronic technologies available for the establishment of e-libraries across the country, thereby improving the government’s educational programs.

House Bill 8087, authored by Camarines Sur Rep. LRay Villafuerte, aims to strengthen Republic Act 7743, which provides for the establishment of provincial, city and municipal libraries and reading centers in barangays throughout the country.

Villafuerte underscored the need for Congress to amend RA 7743 to keep local government units and their respective constituents updated and at pace with the rapid changes in today’s digital era, and to improve as well the country’s education system.

“The electronic library system shall also be upgraded to the latest system and all cities and municipalities in the country shall be provided with electronically operated library systems,” Villafuerte said.

To provide funds for this massive upgrade, the bill seeks to increase the budget of the National Library to P500 million per year until all cities and municipalities are provided with full electronic library facilities.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology is tasked to assist in providing the cutting-edge computer and electronic library technologies as well as fast and reliable Internet connection, through the agency’s flagship program, the Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs, and Economic Development Project.