Barcelona, 27 November 2024 - The Philippine Consulate General in Barcelona PCG commemorated Philippine Book Development Month and National Book Week by inaugurating its library dubbed, “Silid Aklatan” on 27 November 2024. This initiative is in line with Proclamation No. 1436, s. 2017, which emphasizes the promotion of book readership among the Filipinos, particularly the young to enhance literacy and good reading habits.
Silid Aklatan boasts a collection of over 500 carefully curated titles, amassed over more than two years through the generous contributions of various donors, including University of the Philippines Press, Ateneo de Manila University Press, National Historical Commission of the Philippines, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, and other private benefactors. The library features a diverse selection of contemporary works, offering fresh insights into Philippine society and culture.
The event was attended by over 50 participants, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, young professionals, and other members of the Filipino community. Notable guests included Ciutat Vella Councilor Joseph Andal, the first second-generation Filipino to hold public office in Barcelona, and Ms. Jessica González Herrera, a councilor of the Barcelona City Council.
The program featured the introduction of the Silid Aklatan’s newly developed online digital catalog system. Communication Officer Mark Salvador, Consular Assistant Keiichi Fulcher, and Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay demonstrated its functionalities. The system categorizes publications by subject matter and includes visual elements such as book covers, tables of contents, and forewords or introductions to help users better identify resources suited to their needs. Consul Raisa Mabayo offered valuable guidance and insights that significantly enhanced the functionality and overall usefulness of the system.
Following the demonstration, participants were guided through the Silid Aklatan, where they were introduced to the layout and distribution of the library’s resources. Sections of books, clearly labeled and systematically arranged, were showcased to highlight the library’s accessibility and organization.
In her remarks, Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro reiterated the Consulate’s dedication to strengthening its ties with the Filipino youth in Catalonia. She encouraged individuals to utilize the library as a space for exploration and connection, stating, “I warmly encourage everyone to visit the Philippine Consulate General library in person. Whether you are exploring your own heritage or simply seeking to learn more about the Philippines, our library is here as a resource, welcoming everyone to connect with the heart of the Filipino experience.”
The evening concluded with a rendition of the empowering Filipino song Magsimula Ka as performed by Barcelona based Filipino youth Dra. Julianne Eris Navarro, Joseph Romeo Alfaras, and Romel Leo Alojado, capturing the spirit of optimism and self-empowerment that defined the event.
The website link to the online digital catalog of Silid Aklatan will be shared through the Consulate's official social media accounts and prominently displayed in the consular area. This initiative aims to enhance public awareness of the facility and provide interested users with convenient access to the collection of books available for reading.
The inauguration of the Silid Aklatan marks a significant milestone in the Consulate’s efforts to promote Filipino literature, culture, and heritage and community engagement. It represents an enduring commitment to fostering cultural pride and education among members of the Filipino diaspora. END
For more information and updates, please visit the Consulate's official website or follow on Facebook, Instagram and X (@PHinBarcelona).
Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro welcomes attendees to the Silid Aklatan inauguration ceremony
Consul Raisa Mabayo expounds on the objectives of the Silid Aklatan
Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay and Consular Assistant Keiichi Fulcher demonstrate the use of the Silid Aklatan online digital catalog system
Attendees with Cultural Officer Bernardo Bagalay shows the QR code access to the Silid Aklatan online digital catalog system
Filipino youth Dra. Julianne Eris Navarro, Romel Leo Alojado and Joseph Romeo Alfaras perform Magsimula Ka (from left to right)
Silid Aklatan of the Philippine Consulate General
