June 16–19, 2025 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Theme: Inclusive Knowledge: Bridging Divide, Empowering All
The Henry Luce III Library proudly represented Central Philippine University and the Philippines at the 19th Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (CONSAL XIX 2025), held from June 16 to 19, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Assistant Professor Vince Ervin V. Palcullo, MAIS, Archives, Special Collections, and Institutional Repository Librarian of the Henry Luce III Library, served as one of the official delegates of the Philippines, joining distinguished librarians and information professionals from across the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
CONSAL XIX 2025, with the theme “Inclusive Knowledge: Bridging Divide, Empowering All,” provided a vital platform for regional collaboration, dialogue, and innovation in the library and information science profession.
During the conference, Asst. Prof. Palcullo presented a co-authored paper titled “Shelves, Skills, and Inclusion: The Development of a Workplace Immersion and Literacy Project of Henry Luce III Library for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.” The study, developed in collaboration with Dr. Merle L. Junsay (Dean, College of Education), Prof. Ma. Cynthia T. Peleña (Director of Libraries), and Mrs. Joan Iven Abello (Faculty, College of Education), showcased the library’s commitment to inclusive and transformative educational initiatives.
Under the subtheme “Building Knowledge Ecosystems for the Disabled and Marginalized,” the paper highlighted the Henry Luce III Library’s pioneering workplace immersion and literacy program, implemented in partnership with a local Transition Center. The initiative is designed to provide individuals with developmental disabilities access to skills development and hands-on learning opportunities within an academic library context. By equipping participants with practical competencies and fostering self-reliance, the program contributes to their social integration and active participation in community development. This effort reflects the University’s continued commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The Henry Luce III Library is honored to contribute to the regional conversation on inclusive librarianship and affirms its dedication to creating spaces and programs that empower marginalized communities. We extend our appreciation to the University administration for its unwavering support of faculty and staff participation in international scholarly endeavors.
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About CONSAL
The Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (CONSAL) was established in Singapore in 1970. It was initiated by the library associations of Malaysia and Singapore, who saw a need to unite the librarians from the ASEAN nations under a common banner. A Constitution was drawn up for CONSAL that subsequently led to its formation. The five founding member countries were Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Throughout the years, CONSAL has welcomed Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam as new members.
CONSAL’s mission is to promote library and information development in the region and to lead the region towards greater participation in the international information community.
Source: https://www.ifla.org/news/consal-xix-comes-to-malaysia/
