AN ORDINANCE INSTITUTIONALIZING THE ROXAS COMMUNITY LIBRARY AND READING CENTER, PROVIDING FOR ITS OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, AND SUSTAINABILITY, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

WHEREAS, Section 17 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160) mandates local government units to provide basic services and facilities, including the establishment of public libraries;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 7743 provides for the establishment of congressional, city, and municipal libraries and barangay reading centers to promote the intellectual and cultural development of the Filipino people;

WHEREAS, access to information, education, and research materials is a fundamental component of community development and lifelong learning;

WHEREAS, the Municipality of Roxas recognizes the need to establish a centralized facility that will provide free and accessible learning resources to students, researchers, professionals, and the general public;

WHEREAS, the establishment of a Community Library and Reading Center will promote literacy, digital inclusion, academic excellence, and civic awareness among constituents;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE SANGGUNIANG BAYAN OF ROXAS IN REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED:

SECTION 1. TITLE. — This Ordinance shall be known as the “Roxas Community Library and Reading Center Ordinance of 2026.”

SECTION 2. CREATION AND INSTITUTIONALIZATION. — There is hereby institutionalized the Roxas Community Library and Reading Center, hereinafter referred to as the “Library and Research Center,” which shall be a public facility under the supervision of the Municipal Government of Roxas.

SECTION 3. DECLARATION OF POLICY. — The Municipal Government of Roxas adheres to the fundamental essence of developing the intellectual capacity of its inhabitants by elevating their literacy level; recognizing the vital role of knowledge and unique historical and cultural heritage as an important factor in the promotion of local services, infrastructures, and cultural organizations.

SECTION 4. OBJECTIVES. — The community library and research center shall aim to:

a. Provide free and equitable access to library materials and information services.

b. Support the formal and non-formal education of the youth and adult residents.

c. Preserve the local history, culture, and indigenous knowledge of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro.

d. Provide a venue for community-building activities, literacy programs, and research.

SECTION 5. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE. — The library shall be under the administrative supervision of the Office of the Municipal Mayor.

• Municipal Librarian

• Support Staffs

SECTION 6. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MUNICIPAL LIBRARIAN. — The functions of the Municipal Librarian shall include but not limited to the following:

a. Manages, supervises, and oversees the effective, efficient and quality operation of the Municipal Public Library;

b. Exercise supervision and control over all the following programs and activities of the Municipal Library;

c. Selects and acquires multi-media sources of information which would best respond to clientele's need for adequate, relevant, and timely information;

d. Catalogues and classifies knowledge or sources of information into relevant organized collections and creation of local databases for speedy access, retrieval or delivery of information;

e. Develops computer-assisted/computer-backed information systems which would permit online and network services;

f. Establishes library system and procedures; disseminate information; render information, reference and research assistance; archiving; and educate users;

g. Renders services involving technical knowledge /expertise in abstracting, indexing, cataloguing and classifying or the preparation of bibliographies, subject authority lists, thesauri and union catalogues/lists;

h. Organizes, conserves, preserves and restores historical and cultural documents and other intellectual properties;

The Municipal Librarian shall be assisted by support staffs to perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or as provided for under this Section.

SECTION 7. MANDATORY SERVICES & FACILITIES. — The library shall provide, at minimum:

a. General Reference Section – Encyclopedias, dictionaries, and maps.

b. Filipiniana & Local History – A dedicated corner for Philippine literature and Mindoro-specific historical records.

c. Digital Hub – A computer laboratory with internet access for research and e-learning.

d. Children’s Section – Materials suited for early childhood development and literacy.

SECTION 8. BARANGAY READING CENTERS. — In accordance with RA 7743, the Roxas Community Library shall serve as the hub for a network of Barangay Reading Centers. The Municipal Librarian shall provide technical assistance and book-rotation programs to all 20 barangays of Roxas.

SECTION 9. FUNDING. — The amount necessary for the initial implementation and continued operation of the Library and Reading Center shall be included in the Annual Budget of the Municipality of Roxas. Additional funding sources may include grants, donations, and assistance from government agencies and private partners.

SECTION 10. MAINTENANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY. — The Municipal Government shall ensure the proper maintenance, upgrading, and sustainability of the Library and Reading Center, including periodic improvement of facilities, resources, and digital infrastructure.

SECTION 11. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. — The Municipal Mayor, in coordination with relevant offices, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to effectively implement this Ordinance.

SECTION 12. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. — If any provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. REPEALING CLAUSE. — All ordinances, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 14. EFFECTIVITY. — This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon approval and compliance with posting and publication requirements under existing laws.

On motion of Councilor Marietta R. Pajila duly seconded by all this Ordinance is hereby ENACTED.

APPROVED

Adopted: 25 May 2026