In support of lifelong learning and highlighting the role of libraries in providing access to knowledge and community services, the NEUST Library celebrated the 35th Library and Information Services Month and the 91st National Book Week with various activities held from November 17 to 21, 2025.

NEUST President Dr. Rhodora Jugo emphasized that libraries are important centers of learning and empowerment, and reiterated that promoting reading and information literacy helps build a more responsible and future-ready academic community.

“When we nurture a culture of reading and information literacy, we build a community that thinks, questions, and leads,” she said.

During the first day, students participated in a book fair and product demonstrations while enjoying a free bowl of ‘sopas’.

Day one continued with a human bingo game in the afternoon.

Day two highlighted the Human Library program, which shared untold personal stories through lived experiences, led by Atty. Bembol Castillo, the NEUST Legal Officer and Vice President for Administration, Business, and Finance.

Atty. Castillo shared his journey from being a Civil Engineering graduate of NEUST to becoming a lawyer and eventually serving as the university’s Legal Officer and Vice President.

“In life, a lot of people will discourage you—but your course, your background, or your circumstances will never define how far you can go,” he emphasized.

On the third day, library staff from across the university attended a seminar promoting mental health awareness in the workplace, led by Dr. Linofe Aglubat, President of the University Faculty and Staff Union.

In closing, the fourth and fifth days were dedicated to the students under NEUST’s College Education Behind Bars (CEBB) Program at Cabanatuan City District Jail.

After a site visit and logistics checking on day four, the library staff went back to the District Jail on the fifth day to inaugurate two libraries for Persons Deprived of Liberty as part of the University’s CEBB Program.

Prof. Marcelo Bulalayao, OIC Dean of the College of Industrial Technology, emphasized that reading and education open doors to change, empowerment, and new perspectives.

He said this celebration reminds us that knowledge and reading have the power to open doors even in places where freedom is limited.

The event was attended by students from various colleges of NEUST.

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