In Manila’s newest public library, shelves of books will sit side by side with Apple computers, a blend of tradition and technology that Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso hopes will draw a new generation of readers and learners.
Domagoso shared his vision as he led the groundbreaking of the five-story Manila–San Francisco Friendship Library in Santa Cruz recently.
“Pag nadali natin ’to, puro Apple ang ilalagay nating computer dyan.”
“Feeling ko ’yung mga kabataan, sigurado ako, pupunta ’yung library natin. Alam niyo kung bakit? ’Pag nadali natin ’to, puro Apple ang lalagay nating computer dyan,” the mayor said, drawing applause from residents in attendance.
The library, to be constructed on Alvarez Street where an 80-year-old structure once stood, will house a children’s section, study areas, librarian’s office, four offices, four warehouses, and a pantry.
More importantly, Domagoso said, it will be designed to attract today’s learners by equipping it with Apple computers and devices.
He stressed that the facility is not meant to be just books, but an inclusive hub for all ages, from children and students to senior citizens.
“We will modernize our library. While we have the physical book, we will adapt to technology so that everyone will have access to equal opportunity in this type of equipment and better,” Domagoso said.
Manila City Library officer-in-charge Mylene Villanueva noted that the city was recently recognized by the National Library of the Philippines as the “Most Innovative Public Library” for its digital literacy program for senior citizens.
The new facility, Villanueva added, builds on this momentum.
The library project is part of the city government’s push to invest in what Domagoso calls “minimum basic needs”: housing, education, healthcare, and jobs.
He cited the recently opened President Corazon C. Aquino General Hospital, also known as the Baseco Hospital, and the planned College of Medicine of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila as parallel initiatives to expand opportunities for Manileños.
“The project symbolizes how public service can open doors of opportunity.”
Domagoso, who often recalls his own humble beginnings, said the project symbolizes how public service can open doors of opportunity.
“Sino mag-aakala, ’yung squatter, nakapagpatayo ng pabahay para sa kapwa squatter. Kaya ako, hindi ako titigil maghanap ng mga bagay na kayang magbigay ng serbisyong mapapakinabangan ng mga bata sa lungsod ng Maynila,” he concluded.
