University of Luzon Chief Librarian Appointed PLAI Provincial Coordinator, Recognized for Regional Excellence

The University of Luzon proudly announces the dual recognition bestowed upon its Chief Librarian, Dr. Lorena U. Ontangco, for her distinguished service and leadership in the library and information science profession. Dr. Ontangco has been officially appointed as the Provincial Coordinator of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) – Ilocos Region and, concurrently, was named a Finalist for the prestigious Outstanding Librarian Award in Region I. These honors underscore her unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge management and professional standards across Northern Luzon.

The formal announcement and ceremonies took place during a significant regional event held on October 2–3, 2025, in Batac, Ilocos Norte, gathering the leading figures and practitioners in the library sector. The appointment to the PLAI Provincial Coordinator role positions Dr. Ontangco at the forefront of regional professional development. In this capacity, she will be responsible for spearheading initiatives aimed at strengthening collaboration among academic, public, and special libraries, organizing training programs, and ensuring that library services within the Ilocos region align with national standards and global best practices. This influential role is a direct testament to her proven administrative capability and her vision for a dynamically interconnected library community.

Furthermore, being selected as a Finalist for the Outstanding Librarian Award in Region I highlights Dr. Ontangco’s exemplary performance and innovative contributions within her field. This recognition is competitive and judged on criteria encompassing professional achievements, educational leadership, community involvement, and the impact of services rendered. Her inclusion among the top regional practitioners reflects the high quality of librarianship practiced at the University of Luzon and validates her tireless commitment to serving the academic community. Her leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the University’s library systems, ensuring that Luzonians have access to state-of-the-art resources necessary for rigorous scholarship and research.

Dr. Ontangco’s achievements serve as a powerful source of inspiration for all Luzonians, demonstrating that dedication and commitment to one’s profession lead to significant influence and impact at both the institutional and regional levels. The University community extends its sincerest congratulations to Dr. Ontangco for these well-deserved commendations. Her success reinforces the University of Luzon’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and leadership that transcends the campus and positively affects the wider professional sphere.

The endeavors recognized by these appointments and awards are strongly aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. Specifically, Dr. Ontangco’s work addresses SDG 4: Quality Education, by continuously improving library resources and access to information, which are fundamental pillars of educational attainment and lifelong learning for Luzonians. Her active role in the PLAI, promoting professional collaboration and governance, directly supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships at the regional level to achieve sustainable development objectives within the library sector.