“Let us always do the best that we can, and God will do the rest.”For over three decades, Dr. Carmelita A. Tiglao has transformed libraries into living spaces of learning, faith, and community. Her recent election as Auditor and Trustee of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. – Central Luzon Region Librarians Council (PLAI-CeLRLC) for the 2026–2027 term marks another milestone in her lifelong commitment to service and leadership.
Held from September 22 to 25, 2025, the election gathered librarians from across Central Luzon, with the results officially announced on September 26. Dr. Tiglao emerged as one of the top-voted nominees, garnering 100 votes (61.7%)—the highest tally alongside Maria Pretty Lay T. Abdala of Bulacan.
“This is for the university,” she said. “Continuing our involvement in PLAI and other organizations is part of accreditation, especially now that WUP is going international.”
A Lifelong Journey of Learning and Leadership
Dr. Tiglao’s professional journey is a story of dedication, perseverance, and lifelong learning—deeply rooted in WUP, the very institution that shaped her academic and professional path.
Beginning as a student assistant at the University Library, she embraced the values of hard work and service that would later define her career. A proud Wesleyan alumna, she earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education degree with a major in Library Science, which ignited her passion for information services and academic excellence.
She began as a Teacher Librarian at WUP Elementary (1992–1999), and after completing her Doctor of Education major in Educational Management, she was appointed Chief Librarian—a role she continues to hold with distinction.
With 33 years of service, including time in the Registrar’s Office (as the University Registrar) and nearly three decades in the library, she has become one of the enduring pillars of WUP’s academic community. Since 2011, she has also served as a Graduate School faculty member at Baliwag University, mentoring aspiring librarians and future leaders of the profession.
Leadership Rooted in Service
At WUP, Dr. Tiglao leads with a philosophy of service, excellence, and innovation. She continues to enhance the library’s collections, modernize facilities through systems like ATHENA, and promote engagement through programs such as National Book Week and Library Lovers’ Month.
Her leadership extends far beyond the campus walls. She spearheaded the Kalikid Norte Elementary School Library Project, giving young learners a space for discovery, and strengthened partnerships with nearby institutions, including General De Jesus College, NEUST, CIC, MV Gallego Foundation Colleges, and Santiago “Santy” R. Austria College, providing their students access to WUP’s resources.
Her service within the PLAI-CeLRLC community reflects that same dedication. Having served as Secretary of the Council (2024–2025), Board Member (2013–2018), and President of the Nueva Ecija Librarians Association, Inc. (2007–2015), she has consistently championed professional development and collaboration. She also serves as an Accreditor for the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges, and Universities–Accrediting Council, Inc. (ACSCU-ACI)—a role that underscores her commitment to quality education and institutional excellence.
Advocacy, Leadership, and Service Beyond the Shelves
When asked about the challenges facing librarians today, she speaks with conviction about one pressing concern: the shortage of licensed librarians, especially in Nueva Ecija, where only 25 currently serve.
“Kaunti lang ang mga librarian, and not everyone takes it. Kulang talaga tayo ng librarians here sa Pilipinas,” she shared.
This reality fuels her advocacy to inspire more young professionals to pursue Library and Information Science, and to strengthen the community through training, collaboration, and continuing education. For her, librarianship is not just about books—it is about organizing knowledge, facilitating access, and embracing technology to support modern learning.|
As a leader in PLAI-CeLRLC, she promotes seminars and workshops on e-books, e-journals, and digital resources, ensuring that librarians remain adaptive to emerging technologies. Her passion for professional growth took root during her tenure as president of the Nueva Ecija Librarians Association, where she empowered teacher-librarians, served as speaker from local to national fora, and privilege to serve a facilitator at an international seminar.
A Message of Faith, Growth, and Service
Known for her calm wisdom, joyful spirit, and faith-anchored outlook, she exudes a warmth that inspires those around her.
“Let us always do the best that we can, and God will do the rest.”
She encourages librarians, educators, and students alike to continue learning, attend seminars, innovate, and improve their libraries—for every improvement is a step toward empowering both students and faculty.
Her vision and advocacy reflect WUP’s core philosophy of Scholarship, Character, and Service. Through scholarship, she promotes lifelong learning; through character, she demonstrates integrity and compassion; and through service, she uplifts communities by ensuring that libraries remain vital centers of knowledge, discovery, and collaboration.
In every role she holds—librarian, mentor, educator, and leader—Dr. Tiglao continues to prove that leadership founded on faith and learning can truly go beyond the books.
Article and photos by Ayumi San Cai Valerio (PIO)
