DSWD-12 opens public library for social services programs

GENERAL SANTOS CITY --- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Region-12 will establish a public library that will feature materials from learning exchanges and growth programs in the Asia-Pacific region.

Dennis Domingo II, DSWD-12 information officer, said last April 16 that the library will mainly cater to social workers and other local stakeholders who may need access to learning resources on social services and other related subjects.

Dubbed the Regional Learning Resource Center (RLRC), library formally opened last April 18 at the DSWD-12 Regional Office compound in Koronadal City.

“The users of the RLRC may view both printed and electronic formats of a range of learning materials,” he said.

Domingo said these included resources on social protection trends, technical and published papers on growth programs, as well as social welfare and development policies, programs, and services.

The RLRC is a component of the DSWD’s knowledge management program and supports its vision to become a “hub for best practices, learning exchange, and growth programs in the Asia Pacific Region.”

It provides a venue for exchange and sharing of knowledge products and will also showcase the current status of the implementation of social protection programs and services in the region.”

“The library is a one-stop shop knowledge management center designed to provide an interactive learning facility for sharing and exchange of knowledge among our partners and stakeholders,” Domingo said.

Bonifacio Selma, DSWD-12’s promotive services division chief, said the facility will have a conference room, computer, and video conference area.

“There will be an online system that will provide our users access to online information,” Selma said.

To further expand its resources, he said they have asked their employees to donate books related to social works and other training materials. (Anna Liza Cabrido, PNA - Cotabato)