Moalboal library’s makeover, a bayanihan story

CTU library staff and the student volunteers discuss how they will implement some of the makeover of the library.
(CDN PHOTO/Cris Evert Lato Ruffolo)

It used to be the place in the whole campus less frequented by students because of its gloomy ambiance and limited book collection.

Now, the library of the Cebu Technological University-Moalboal (CTU Moalboal) has transformed into the most preferred hangout in the campus after it underwent a serious makeover and book collection upgrade initiated by the students, the librarian and Leung Hao Ying, a Chinese American volunteer.

The initiative was called CTU Library Revamp Project.

CTU Moalboal head librarian Nyx Tarongoy said Leung and 40 student volunteers redesigned the library and poured in time and talents to paint murals on newly-built bookshelves and put up lampshades and decorations.

“The CTU library is now welcoming, warm (and an) imaginative place to study, relax, learn, teach, grow a love for reading and enjoy life. Together with students and the whole CTU community, we have created the library we imagined,” says Tarongoy.

Leung connected with local and foreign individuals and organizations who gave books, mats, pillow cases and other materials used for the creation for the do-it-yourself bean bags.

The library now has 800 newly-donated best-selling novels and textbooks from local and US-based donors.

These donations came from the Rotary Club of Mandaue East; Edna Lee of West Gorordo Hotel; Darien Book Aid Plan, Inc.; International Book Project and Books for Peace.

CTU library revamp project

CTU Library Revamp Project. Creating the reading corner (Photo by Cris Evert Lato-Ruffolo)

The CTU Library Revamp Project is an unprecedented story of bayanihan in the history of the university since it was established in 1947 as then Moalboal Provincial High School.

It changed names several times until it became an extension campus of the Cebu State College of Science and Technology (CSCST) in 1983. It later became known as CSCST-College of Fisheries.

Following the passage of Republic Act 9744 on November 2009 which converted CSCST in Cebu City and its satellite campus in Cebu province into a state university, it became CTU Moalboal campus.

Leung introduced the library revamp idea on October 2016 and reached out to the book donors on November 2016.

Planning began in January 2017. It took them three months to finish the upgrade and renovations and unveil this to fellow students, faculty members and the school administration.

The students were divided into three teams – decorations, furniture and layout – and viewed photos of libraries around the world for inspiration.

They chose the color scheme and reimagined the library on paper.

They listed materials needed for their dream library. Drafting students drew designs using the computer.

Leung introduced the bean bags as a cozy addition to the library. She bought two bean bags and then looked online for ways on how to they can make it themselves to lessen cost.

Old curtains donated by West Gorordo Hotel became the stuffing of the bean bags.

Later, CTU teacher Juliet Tomarong and her Technology and Livelihood students came onboard to design and sew the bean bags.

These bean bags are placed in the reading corners.

Bayanihan

Seeing the students’ hard work and dedication, the school administration provided financial support to complete the project.

Tarongoy said the library now attracts their millennial students who spends time in the library cozying up with books in their hands.

This modern example of the Filipino’s bayanihan spirit is inspiring for the campus director, Dr. Romeo G. Pableo.

“It (a new and improved library) helps the students in research development because a library is an asset of any university. If we have a good library, it will become the center of education process. A developed library is an indication of quality education which is one of CTU’s missions and goals,” he said.

Third year college student Kent Carreon said the library used to be just a place where students go to sleep because there were limited books.

“The new library is unconventional, different from what we visualized it before. It is now a place to chill, study and educate ourselves beyond the walls of the classroom,” says Carreon, who is taking up Secondary Education major in Industrial Technology.

Janelle Mikaela Balicoco, 18, says the former library was lifeless and was like a graveyard of books.

“Library isn’t just a mere place to study… a library is like a palace filled with eternal treasures. It is also a reminder, especially to today’s generation, to take a few hours away from their gadgets and divert their eyes into something that can feed them with more knowledge,” says the third year secondary education student.