By GregORIO G. Deligero
The Davao City local government has been selected by Beyond Access for library modernization project aimed to
support district libraries and reading centers in rural communities become more responsive in providing information and services related to economic activity.
“On behalf of Beyond Access, IREX is extremely pleased to be cooperating with the city government of Davao on a library modernization project. Due to the clear commitment of and partnership offered by the city government, Davao was selected as the first city in Asia with which Beyond Access is cooperating on a project to support public library development,” said IREX Ari Katz deputy director for technology and civil society.
Beyond Access is a movement of people and organizations committed to the idea that modern public libraries help drive economic and social development. With members around the world, the movement is an initiative of non-profit corporation IREX, international groups of librarians and several US-Based foundations.
The lone Beyond Access member in the city is former Davao City Public Library head Nora Fe H. Alajar.
“We hope that this project will be a model for the Philippines and the Asean region,” Katz said in a formal communication addressed to Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Yesterday, Katz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Davao City local government represented by Atty. Tristan Dwight P. Domingo, assistant city administrator for administration who signed the document on behalf of Duterte.
Under the MoU, the IREX will provide technical assistance throughout the project’s development and implementation “to ensure the project serves as a pilot to demonstrate the value of public libraries in meeting their communities’ needs.”
Specifically, IREX will provide around 100 computers to be distributed to district libraries and participating reading centers while the city government will provide personnel, facilities, computer maintenance and internet and utility costs.
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