EVSU-OC Faculty Member Takes the Helm of Regional Librarians Council; Joins PLAI National Board
ORMOC CITY, LEYTE — In a milestone achievement for the local academic community, Prof. Romulo Joseph M. Jereza IV, an Instructor and Librarian Designate at Eastern Visayas State University – Ormoc Campus (EVSU-OC), has officially ascended to the presidency of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. – Eastern Visayas Region Librarians Council (PLAI-EVRLC).
Sir Jereza formally took his Oath of Office on January 24, 2026, marking the beginning of his term as President for the regional council and his appointment as a Member of the PLAI National Board of Trustees for the 2026–2027 biennium.
The appointment places EVSU-OC at the forefront of national library and information science (LIS) governance. As a Registered Librarian (RL) currently completing his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), Prof. Jereza has long been a staunch advocate for the evolution of modern librarianship.
In a statement following his oath-taking, Prof. Jereza emphasized that leadership in the profession is defined by duty over personal recognition.
“This role is not about showing off or being in the spotlight. It is a serious responsibility that requires commitment, humility, and service,” he shared, acknowledging the support of the EVSU-OC administration, particularly Campus Director Dr. Maria Cecelia Gomez.
Under his leadership, the council is expected to focus on professional development for librarians across the six provinces of Region VIII, enhancing digital literacy initiatives, and strengthening the role of libraries as centers of community resilience and lifelong learning.
Prof. Jereza’s leadership on the PLAI National Board and Regional Council reinforces SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by championing equitable access to information, strengthening professional institutional frameworks, and fostering national collaborations in the field of librarianship.
