Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, and Appropriations of the City Council of Davao, proposed for the round-the-clock operations of the Davao City Library.
“I propose the opening of the Davao City Library on a 24-hour basis—a safe, supervised, and productive space where our students can study, research, and collaborate without fear of violating curfew,” Dayanghirang said in his privilege speech on Tuesday.
Dayanghirang added that rather than seeing the youth loitering on the streets or cramped in unsafe areas, it is better that they direct their energy and their time into learning.
“Education, as we all know, is the great equalizer. It empowers our people, shapes our leaders, and builds the future of our community. Yet despite the many initiatives we have already launched for education, I believe there remains one more area where we can innovate and respond to the realities of modern learning: the accessibility of study spaces in Davao City, beyond regular hours,” Dayanghirang said.
Dayanghirang cited the existing city ordinance on curfew, which was designed to protect the city’s youth from loitering late at night and being exposed to risks.
“I strongly support that intent. However, we must also recognize that many of our students, especially those from working-class families, often have no safe and conducive space for study at night. Not all homes provide a quiet and well-lit environment. Not all families can afford gadgets or a reliable internet connection,” he emphasized.
Dayanghirang cited advantages in this matter, including that it can strengthen the academic performance of the students by giving them equal opportunity to access resources and reduce the risk of youth exposurvve to vices and unsafe environments at night.
“We align our city with progressive global practices, where libraries and study hubs serve as 24-hour partners of learning. We complement our thrust for digital transformation by ensuring that public study spaces are equipped with internet access, computers, and safe facilities,” he said.
