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Compiled by Rogelio Magbanua

Dr. Dick E. Orense, D. Ed.

Professor

There are many laws related to the development of education in the Philippines. However, the
following laws are chosen only in terms of their direct and even indirect influence (which could
mean the broad correlation) to the development of the library system and librarianship in the
Philippines.
A. Laws which have a direct impact on the development of the library system in the
Philippines
1. ROYAL ORDER NO. 689
Short description: This Royal Order was issued on August 12, 1887. It gave way for the
establishment in Manila of Museo Biblioteca de Filipinas which was inaugurated on October
24, 1891. The Museo served as the forerunner as well as the cornerstone of The National
Library in the Philippines.
2. PHILIPPINE COMMISSION ACT NO. 96
Short description: The law was passed on March 5, 1901. The American Military Governor in
the Philippines accepted the Circulating Library as a donation of the American Circulating
Library Association to the Philippine government. The American Circulating Library was already
established in Manila on March 9, 1900 which was organized by Mrs. Charles R. Greenleaf
and the first librarian at that time was Ms. Nellie Young Egbert. As such, the Circulating Library
served as the cornerstone of the public libraries in the Philippines.
3. PUBLIC LAW ACT NO. 1849
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PUBLIC LIBRARY TO BE
KNOWN AS "THE PHILIPPINE PUBLIC LIBRARY," MAKING SUITABLE
APPROPRIATIONS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Short description: The law was passed on June 3, 1908. It gave way for the foundation of the
Philippine Public Library.
4. PUBLIC LAW ACT NO. 1935
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF ALL LIBRARIES
BELONGING TO ANY BRANCH OF THE PHILIPPINE INSULAR GOVERNMENT
FOR THE CREATION OF "THE PHILIPPINES LIBRARY," AND FOR THE
MAINTENANCE AND REGULATION OF THE SAME, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Short description: The law was passed on May 20, 1909. It renamed the Philippine Public
Library into Philippine Library. Such law also provided for the "the consolidation of all
libraries belonging to any branch of the Philippine government for the creation of the Philippine
2

Library." The provisions of this law were carried out by a Library Board consisting of the
Secretary of the Public Instruction, the Secretary of Interior, the Secretary of Finance and Justice,
and the other members to be appointed annually by the Governor General.
5. PUBLIC LAW ACT NO. 2572
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE, IN THE INTEREST OF THE EFFICIENCY AND
UNIFORMITY OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE, THE CONSOLIDATION OF THE
PHILIPINE LIBRARY, THE DIVISION OF ARCHIVES, PATENTS, COPYRIGHTS,
AND TRADE-MARKS OF THE EXECUTIVE BUREAU, AND THE LAW LIBRARY
DIVISION OF THE PHILIPPINE ASSEMBLY, TO FORM AN ORGANIZATION TO BE
KNOWN AS "PHILIPPINE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM," UNDER THE
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL OF THE SECRETARY OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Short description: The law was passed on January 31, 1918. Under this law, the Philippine
Library and Museum (PLM) was formed as an organization. The organization was the joint
efforts of three institutions: (1) The Philippine Library, (2) Executive Bureaus Division of
Archives, Patents, Copyrights and Trademarks, and the (3) Law Library of the Philippine
Assembly. The Philippine Library and Museum was under the administration of the Secretary of
Public Instruction.
6. PUBLIC ACT NO. 3477
AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS:
PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND PERSONNEL; PROVIDING FOR
FUNDS FOR ITS ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION; CHANGING THE NAME OF
THE PHILIPPINE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM TO NATIONAL LIBRARY, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
Short description: The law was passed on December 7, 1928. It separated the Philippine
Library and Museum into the National Library and the National Museum. The National Museum
was established under the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The Act changed
the name of the Philippine Library and Museum to The National Library.
7. EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 94 (1947)
Short description: It reorganized the National Library and changed its name to Bureau of Public
Libraries.
8. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3873
AN ACT CHANGING THE NAME OF THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO
THE NATIONAL LIBRARY

Short description: This law was passed on June 18, 1964. It brought back to the Bureau of
Public Libraries its old name, The National Library.
9. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10087
AN ACT AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3873, ENTITLED AN ACT CHANGING
THE NAME OF THE BUREAU OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES TO THE NATIONAL
LIBRARY
Short description: The law was passed on May 13, 2010. It amended the renaming of the
Bureau of Public Libraries to the National Library of the Philippines.
10. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 411
AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE
Short description: This is known as the Municipal Libraries Law which was authored by
Senator Geronima T. Pecson.
B. Laws on the development of the education system in the Philippines
1. 1987 CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE XIV: EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS, CULTURE AND
SPORTS
Short description: The article emphasizes the accessibility of quality education for all as well as
for the promotion of academic freedom in institutions of higher learning. It also gave way for the
provision of scholarship grants and other incentives to deserving students both in public and
private schools.
2. PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 6
AN EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DECREE OF 1972
Short description: It emphasizes on the goal of the educational system to achieve economic and
social progress as well as to promote desirable cultural values in a changing world. The decree
stated on the improvement of secondary schools which include services, facilities, equipments
and curriculum.
Relation to librarianship: Improvement regarding the facilities and equipments in the library on
secondary schools. The library should be seen not only as a dynamic organism of preserving the
cultural heritage but also as a place of learning and exploration that could cope up with the fastchanging trends of the world.
4

3. BATAS PAMBANSA BLG 232

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF AN
INTEGRATED SYSTEM OF EDUCATION.
Short description: This is also known as the Education Act of 1982. The Act seeks to achieve
and strengthen national unity and consciousness and preserve, develop and promote desirable
culture, moral and spiritual values in a changing world. It encourages development in the
profession that will provide leadership for the nation in the advancement of knowledge for
improving the quality of human life. On the declaration of the same document, the students are
pointed out to have the right to free expression of opinions and to effective channels of
communication.
Relation to librarianship: Melvil Dewey believed that not just anyone could be a librarian.
People with appropriate moral character should only be accepted for training to librarianship.
Librarians are also educators in their own field side by side with preachers and teachers.
Regarding a students right for free expression, ALA has always safeguarded the value of
intellectual freedom and the freedom to access of information on its policies and programs.
4. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7722
HIGHER EDUCATION ACT OF 1994
Short description: An act creating the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) independent
from the Department of Education; its coverage both include the public and private institutions
of higher education as well as granting degree programs in all post-secondary educational
institutions; authorizes the CHED to develop certain mandatory curricular offerings particularly
in the general education program.
5. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9155
AN ACT INSTITUTING A FRAMEWORK OF GOVERNANCE FOR BASIC
EDUCATION, ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY, RENAMING
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, CULTURE AND SPORTS AS THE
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Short description: This was authored by Sen. Tess Aquino-Oreta. An act instituting a
framework of governance for basic education. DECS (Department of Education, Culture, and
Sports) was renamed DEPEd (Department of Education).

6. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7743

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CONGRESSIONAL, CITY
AND MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES AND BARANGAY READING CENTERS
THROUGHOUT THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY FUNDS
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Short description: Law related to the establishment of public libraries and reading centers in the
city, municipal, as well as barangay centers.
Relation to librarianship: A guide among librarians to put-up or maintain reading centers most
especially among the grass roots where good books are inadequate and there seems to be a lack
of interest and with meager funds for the support of library services in the barangay areas. Great
men like Abraham Lincoln learned a lot from reading good books by borrowing from his village.
7. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8047
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOOK PUBLISHING
INDUSTRY THROUGH THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A
NATIONAL BOOK POLICY AND A NATIONAL BOOK DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Short description: An Act related to the book publishing industry.
Relation to librarianship: This would serve as guide to book collections as well as a guide for
future development programs among librarians not only to provide the best books on the best
possible subjects but also to promote public interest in order for them to read and learn from
these collections.
8. REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7836
AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN THE REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF THE
PRACTICE OF TEACHING IN THE PHILIPPINES AND PRESCRIBING A
LICENSURE EXAMINATION FOR TEACHERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Short
description:
This
is
also
known
as
PHILIPPINE
TEACHERS
PROFESSIONALIZATION ACT OF 1994. It prescribes the Licensure Examination for
teachers (LET) to make them duly licensed professionals.
Relation to librarianship: ALA establishes standards for professional education. Since 1951,
the ALA Board of Education for Librarianship issued standards requiring five years of post-high
school education (masters degree) as the standard for professional education. The librarian as a
professional is expected to have a solid intellectual foundation on library education. This might
as well be carried over to the profession of teaching related to Library Science wherein an LIS
professional as a teacher is not only duly licensed as proposed by the law but most importantly
with a solid intellectual and moral library education.
6

Republic Act No. 9246

February 19, 2004

AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES THEREBY

REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6966, ENTITLED: "AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF
LIBRARIANSHIP AND PRESCRIBING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF LIBRARIANS,"
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

BOARD FOR LIBRARIANS

Resolution No. 05
Series of 2004
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT N0. 9246:
AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES
THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6966, ENTITLED: AN ACT REGULATING THE
PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP AND PRESCRIBING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF
LIBRARIANS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Pursuant to Section 8, Paragraph (a), Article II and Section 35, Article V of Republic Act 9246,
known as The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003, the Board for Librarians hereby prescribes,
promulgates, and issues the following Rules and Regulations that shall govern the
implementation of the provisions of said law.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------APPENDICES:
R. A. NO. 9246
IRR OF R.A. NO. 9246
Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Twelfth Congress
Third Regular Session

Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-eight day of July, two thousand three.

Republic Act No. 9246

February 19, 2004

AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES THEREBY

REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6966, ENTITLED: "AN ACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF
LIBRARIANSHIP AND PRESCRIBING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF LIBRARIANS,"
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:
ARTICLE I
TITLE, STATEMENT OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS, SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003."
SECTION 2. Statement of Policy. - The State recognizes the essential role of librarianship as a
profession in developing the intellectual capacity of the citizenry thus making library service a regular
component for national development. It shall, through honest, effective and credible licensure
examination and regulatory measures, undertake programs and activities that would promote and
nurture the professional growth and well-being of competent, virtuous, productive and well-rounded
librarians whose standards of practice and service shall be characterized by excellence, quality, and
geared towards world-class global competitiveness.
SECTION 3. Objectives. - This Act shall govern the following:
a) National examination for licensure, registration of librarians, issuance of Certificate of
Registration and Professional Identification Card:
b) Supervision, control and regulation of practice of librarianship;
c) Integration of librarians under one national organizations;
d) Development of professional competence of librarians.
SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined:
a) Librarian - refers to an individual who is a bona fide holder of a Certificate of Registration
and Professional Identification Card issued by the Professional Regulatory Board for
Librarians and by the Professional Regulation Commission in accordance with this Act.
b) Commission - refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.
c) Board - refers to the Professional Regulatory Board for Librarians.

SECTION 5. Scope of the Practice of Librarianship. - Librarianship shall deal with the
performance of the librarian's functions, which shall include, but not be limited to the following:
1) Selection and acquisition of multi-media sources of information which would best respond
to clientele's need for adequate, relevant and timely information;
2) Cataloguing and classification of knowledge or sources of information into relevant
organized collections and creation of local databases for speedy access, retrieval or delivery
of information;
3) Development of computer-assisted/computer-backed information systems which would
permit online and network services;
4) Establishment of library system and procedures; dissemination of information; rendering
of information, reference and research assistance; archiving; and education of users;
5) Teaching, lecturing and reviewing of library, archives and information science subjects,
including subjects given in the licensure examination;
6) Rendering of services involving technical knowledge/expertise in abstracting, indexing,
cataloguing and classifying' or the preparation of bibliographies, subject authority lists,
thesauri and union catalogues/lists;
7) Preparation, evaluation or appraisal of plans, programs and/or projects for the
establishment, organization, development and growth of libraries or information centers, and
the determination of library requirements for space, buildings, structures or facilities;
8) Provision of professional and consultancy services or advice on any aspect of
librarianship; and
9) Organization, conservation, preservation and restoration of historical and cultural
documents and other intellectual properties.
ARTICLE II
CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR LIBRARIANS
SECTION 6. Creation and Composition of the Board. - There is hereby created a Professional
Regulatory Board for Librarians, hereinafter called the Board, under the administrative supervision
and control of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission,
to be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members who shall be appointed by the President of
the Philippines from among the list of three (3) recommendees for each position submitted by the
Commission from among the list of five (5) nominees for each position submitted by the accredited
integrated national professional organization of librarians from among the librarians of recognized
standing who qualify under Section 7 of this Act. The new Board shall be constituted within three (3)
months from the effectivity of this Act.

SECTION 7. Qualification of Members of the Board. - The Chairperson and members of the
Board, at the time of their appointment, shall posses the following qualifications:
a) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;
b) A good reputation and moral character;
c) A librarian as defined in "Section 4(a)" of this Act;
d) Active in the practice of librarianship for at least ten (10) years, five (5) years of which is in
a managerial position;
e) Must not be a member of the faculty of a university, college, school or institution conferring
the academic degree on librarianship, or offering review classes for librarian licensure
examination; nor a person who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any such
institution; and
f) Must not be an incumbent officer of the accredited, integrated national professional
organization librarians.
SECTION 8. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Board. - The Board shall exercise
executive/administrative, rule making and quasi-judicial powers in carrying out the provisions of this
Act. It shall be vested with the following specific powers, functions, duties and responsiblities;
a) To promulgate and administer rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act;
b) To administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;
c) To adopt an official seal of the Board;
d) To issue, suspend or revoke the Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card or grant or cancel a temporary/special permit;
e) To look into the conditions affecting the practice of librarianship, and when necessary,
adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of
high ethical, moral and professional standards of librarianship;
f) To adopt policies and set the standards for all types of libraries, librarians and the practice
of librarianship;
g) To ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), that all
institutions offering library, archives and information science education comply with
prescribed standards for curriculum, faculty and facilities for course offerings of library
science, or library and information science;

10

h) To adopt and prescribe a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards for
Librarians;
i) To hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of this Act, its Implementing
Rules and Regulations or the Code of Ethics or the Code of Technical Standards for
Librarians; and for this purpose, issue subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena dues
ftecum to ensure the appearance of witnesses and the presentation of documents in
connection therewith;
j) To prescribe guidelines in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in coordination
with the accredited and integrated association for professional librarians;
k) To prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi or tems of specification of subjects for the
librarian licensure examination consistent with the policies and standards set by the CHED;
and
l) To discharge other powers and duties as the Board may deem necessary for the practice
of librarianship and the continued growth and development of librarians, libraries and library
education in the Philippines.
The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by the Board shall be subject
to review and approval of the Commission. However, the Board's decision, resolution or order
rendered in administrative case shall be subject to review only if on appeal.
SECTION 9. Term of Office. - The Chairperson and the members of the Board shall hold office for a
term of three (3) years until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified: Provided,
That members of the first Board to be appointed after the approval of this Act shall hold office for the
following terms: the Chairperson for three (3) years, one member for two (2) years and the other
member for one (1) year. Provided, further, That the Chairperson or any member may be
reappointed for another term of three (3) years but in no case shall the whole term exceed six (6)
years. Interim vacancies in the Board shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the term only. Each
member shall take the proper oath of office.
SECTION 10. Compensation of the Board. - The Chairperson and members of the Board shall
receive compensation and allowances comparable to that being received by the Chairperson and
members of existing regulatory boards under the Commission as provided for in the General
Appropriations Act.
SECTION 11. Removal or Suspension Board Members. - The Chairperson or any member of the
Board may be removed or suspended by the President of the Philippines on recommendation of the
Commission if found guilty after a proper administrative investigation, based on the following
grounds: neglect of duty, incompetence, unprofessional, unethical, immoral or dishonorable conduct;
any violation of this Act, or the Code of Ethics and the Code of Technical Standards for Librarians; or
commission or toleration of irregularities in the examination such as manipulation, rigging of
examination results, disclosure of secrets and information on examination questions prior to conduct
of examination, tampering of grades or final judgment, or criminal offense involving moral turpitude.

11

SECTION 12. Executive Officer and the Secretary of the Board. - The Chairperson of the
Commission shall be the Executive Officer of the Board and shall conduct the licensure examination
for librarians. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall provide the
Secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of this Act.
All records of the Board including the examination papers, minutes of deliberations, and records of
administrative proceedings and investigations shall be kept by the Commission under the direct
custody of the Secretary.
SECTION 13. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit to the Commission after the close of each
calendar year, its annual report of accomplishments which shall include a detailed account of the
operation of the Board for the year and the appropriate recommendation on issues or problems
affecting the profession.
ARTICLE III
LICENSURE EXAINATION AND REGISTRATION
SECTION 14. Examinations. - Applications for registration, except those specifically allowed under
Section 19 of this Act, shall be required to undergo a written licensure examination to be given by the
Board in such places and dates the Commission may designate subject to compliance with the
requirements prescribed by the Commission.
SECTION 15. Qualifications of Applicants. - Applicants for licensure examination must meet the
following qualifications at the time of filing of applications:
a) Citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country has reciprocity with the
Philippines as regards the practice of librarianship;
b) Good helath and good moral character, and
c) Graduate of Bachelor's degree in Library Science and Information Science: Provided, That
a holder of a master's degree in Library and Information Science Shall be allowed to qualify
for application to the licensure examinations: Provided, fruther, That within five (5) years from
the effectivity of this Act, holders of the following degrees shall also be allowed to qualify for
application to the licensure examination:
1) Bachelor of Science in Education or Elementary Education; or Bachelor of Arts
with a major or specialization in Library Science;
2) Master of Arts in Library Science or Library and Information Science; or
3) Any masteral degree with concentration in Library Science.
SECTION 16. Scope of Examination. - The licensure examination for librarianship shall consist of
the following subjects;

12

1) selection and acquisition of multi-media sources of information;

2) cataloguing and classification;
3) indexing and abstracting;
4) reference, bibliography and information services;
5) organization, management and development and manintenance of multi-media based
library or information service, laws, trends and practices affecting the profession; and
6) information technology.
The Board is hereby authorized to modify or add to the subjects listed above as the needs and
demands in the library profession may require.
SECTION 17. Rating in the Board Examination. - To be qualified as having passed the licensure
examination, a candidate must obtain a weighted general average of seventy-five percent (75%),
with no grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in any subject.
SECTION 18. Report of Results of Examination. - The Board shall report to the Commission the
results of the examination and the ratings of the examinees within ten (10) days after the
examination.
SECTION 19. Registration Without Examination. - Upon application and payment of the required
fees, the Board shall issue a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card to an
applicant who, on the date of effectrivity of Republic Act No. 6966, is:
a) a practicing librarian who has completed at least a bachelor's degree, and a librarian or
supervising librarian eligible;
b) a practicing librarian who completed at least a bachelor's degree, eighteen (18) units in
Library Science, five (5) years experience in librarianship, and a first grade eligible or its
equivalent;
c) a practicing obirarian who has completed a masteral degree in Library Science or Library
and Information Science, and a first grade eligible or its equivalent; or
d) a practicing librarian who has completed at least a bachelor's degree, eighteen (18) unit in
Library Science, and seven (7) years expreience in librarianship.
Those who quality under this Section shall be given three (3) years within which to apply for
registration upon the effectivity o this Act.
SECTION 20. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. The Commission, on recommendation of the Board, shall issue a Certificate of Registration and

13

Professional Identification Card to each person who passed the licensure examination for librarians
and to those who are registered without examination under this Act and shall enter name of the
registered professional in the Roster of Philippine Librarians.
The Certificate of Registration shall bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission and
the Chairperson and members of the Board, stamped with official seals of the Board and
Commission indicating that the person named therein is entitled to the practice of the profession with
all the privileges appurtenant thereto. The said certificate of registration shall remain in full force and
effect until suspended or revoked in accordance with this Act.
A professional identification card bearing the name and signature of the registrant, registration
number, date of issuance, expiry date, duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall
likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed fee.
SECTION 21. Oath of Profession. - All successful examinees qualified for registration and all
qualified applicants for registration without examination shall be required to take an aoth of
profession before any Commission Officer, or member of the Board or any government official
authorized to administer oaths, prior to entering into practice of librarianship in the Philippines.
SECTION 22. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card. - The Board shall not register any successful examinee nor any applicant for registration
without examination if he/she has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal
offexnse involving moral turpitude or has been found guilty of immoral and ishonorable conduct after
investigation of the Board, or has been declared to be of unsound mind. The reason for the refusal
shall be set forth in writing.
SECTION 23. Revocation and Suspension of Certifcate of Registration and Professional
Identification Card or Cancellation of Temporary/Special Permit. - The Board has the power,
after due notice and hearing, to revoke or suspend the Certificate of Registration or cancel a
temporary or special permit of any librarian on any ground stated under Section 22 of this Act, or for
any of the following: unprofessional or dishonorable conduct; practice of librarianship; fraud; deceit
or falsification in obtaining a certificate of registration, professional identification card, or
temporary/special permit; abetment of illegal practice by allowing illegal use of his/her certificate of
registration, or professional identification card, or temporary/special permit; practice of profession
during the period of suspension; or any violation of this Act, its Implementing Rules and Regulations,
the Code of Ethics or the Code of Technical Standards for Librarians, or Board policies. The
respondent may appeal the Board's decision, order/resolution to the Commission within fifteen (15)
days from receipt thereof,
SECTION 24. Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration and Replacement of Lost
Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. - The Board after two (2) years
from the date of revocation of the Ceritificate of Registration may reissue a certificate upon proper
application.

14

A new Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card or temporary/special permit,

which has been lost, destroyed or mutilated, may be reissued after payment of the required fee
prescribed by the Commission.
SECTION 25. Roster of Librarians. - The Board, in coordination with the accredited and integrated
national organization of librarians, shall maintain an up-to-date, complete and properly organized
Roster, which shall include those who had been issued Certificates of Registration under Republic
Act No. 6966 and those who shall qualify under this Act, to contain the following data;
a) alphabetical list by surname of librarians with their addresses and license numbers;
b) the list of licensees, numerically arranged by license numbers; and
c) such other lists which the Board may deem necessary.
Copies of the Roster, which shall be provided to the National Library, the Civil Service Commission,
and the accredited national organization of librarians, shall be kept as permanent record.
ARTICLE IV
PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP
SECTION 26. Illegal Practice of Librarianship. - A person who does not have a valid Certificate of
Registration and Professional Identification Card or a temporary/special permit from the Commission
shall not practice or offer tp practice librarianship in the Philippines or assume any position, which
involve performing the function of a librarian as provided under Section 5 of this Act.
SECTION 27. Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card and Professional Tax
Receipt. - The Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card and Professional Tax
Receipt number of the librarian shall be reflected in any document issued/signed in connection with
the practice of the profession.
SECTION 28. Foreign Reciprocity. - Alibrarian from another country shall be admitted for licensure
examination, be issued a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card and be
entitle to the rights and privileges appurtenant to this Act, if the country or state he/she is a citizen of
or subject, permits Filipino librarians of said country or state: Provided, That the requirements for
Certificate of Registration in said country or state are substantially the same as the requirements
under this Act: Provided, further, That the law of such country or state grants Filipino librarians the
same privileges as the citizens/subjects of that country/state.
SECTION 29. Vested Reights: Automatic Registration of Practicing Librarians. - All practicing
librarians who are registered at the time this Act takes effect shall automatically be registered.
SECTION 30. Integrated and Accredited National Organization of Librarians. - All registered
librarians shall be integrated under a single organization recognized and accredited by the Board
and approved by the Commission.

15

A librarian duly registered and licensed by the Board and the Commission shall automatically
become a member of the integrated and accredited professional organization and shall receive the
benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required fees and dues.
Membership in the integrated and accredited professional organization shall not be a bar to
membership in any other association of librarians.
SECTION 31. Employment of Librarians. - Only qualified and licensed librarians shall be employed
as librarians in all government libraries. Local government units shall be given a period of three (3)
years from the approval of this Act to comply with this provision.
ARTICLE V
PENAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 32. Penal Provisions. - Any person who practices or offers to practice any function of a
librarian as provided for under Section 5 of this Act who is not registered and has not been issued by
the Commission a Certicate of Registration and Professional Identification Card, or a temporary
license/permit or who violates any of the provisions of this Act, its Implementing Rules and
Regulations, shall, upon conviction , be penalized by a fine of not less that Thirty thousand pesos
(P100,000.00), or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than three (3) years at the
discretion of the court.
SECTION 33. Funding Provision. - The Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission
shall immediately include in the Commission's program the implementation this Act, the funding
which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SECTION 34. Transitory Provision. - The present Board shall continue to function in the interim
until such time as the new Board shall have been constituted pursuant to this Act.
SECTION 35. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Board, subject to the approval of the
Commission, shall promulgate, adopt and issue rules and regulations, and the Code of Ethics and
the Code of Technical Standards for Librarians which shall take effect fifteen (15) days following
publication in the official Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.
SECTION 36. Separability Clause. - If any clause, provision, paragraph or part hereof shall be
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall affect, invalidate or impair any other part
hereof, but such judgement shall be merely confined to the clause, provision, paragraph or part
directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment has been rendered.
SECTION 37. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 6966 is hereby repealed and all other laws,
decrees, orders, rules, regulations, ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act
are hereby repealed or amended accordingly,
SECTION 38. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the
Official Gazette or a national newspaper of general circulation.

16

Approved,

FRANKLIN DRILON
President of the Senate

JOSE DE VENECIA JR.

Speaker of the House of
Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of House Bill No.5351 and Senate Bill No. 2579 was finally passed
by the House of Representatives and the Senate on December 2, 2003 and December 16, 2003,
respectively.

OSCAR G. YABES
Secretary of Senate

ROBERTO P. NAZARENO
Secretary General
House of Represenatives

Approved: February 19, 2004

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines

(Source: The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation)

Republic of the Philippines

Professional Regulations Commission
Manila

BOARD FOR LIBRARIANS

Resolution No. 05
Series of 2004

IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT N0. 9246:

17

AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES

THEREBY REPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6966, ENTITLED: AN ACT REGULATING THE
PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP AND PRESCRIBING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF
LIBRARIANS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Pursuant to Section 8, Paragraph (a), Article II and Section 35, Article V of Republic Act 9246,
known as The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003, the Board for Librarians hereby prescribes,
promulgates, and issues the following Rules and Regulations that shall govern the
implementation of the provisions of said law.
RULE I
TITLE, STATEMENT OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS, SCOPE OF THE PRACTICE
Section 1. Title. This Resolution shall be known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations
(IRR) of Republic Act No. 9246, or for brevity as The IRR of the Philippine Librarianship Act of
2003.
Section 2. Statement of Policy. The State recognizes the essential role of librarianship as a
profession in developing the intellectual capacity of every Filipino, thereby making library service
a regular component for national development. It shall, through honest, effective and credible
licensure examination and regulatory measures shall undertake programs and activities that will
a) promote and nurture the professional growth and well-being of competent, virtuous,
productive and well rounded librarians , and
b) advance their standards of service and practice characterized by excellence, quality, and
geared towards world-class global competitiveness.
This IRR of The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003 shall be interpreted, construed, and
carried out in the light of the Statement of Policy found in Section 2, Article I of R.A. 9246.
Section 3. Objectives. - This Resolution shall govern the following:
a. National examination for licensure, registration of librarians, issuance of Certificate of
Registration and Professional Identification Card:
b. Supervision, control and regulation of practice of librarianship;
c. Integration of librarians under one national organization;
d. Development of professional competence of librarians.
Section 4. Definition of Terms. For purposes of IRR of R.A. 9246, the following terms shall be
defined:
18

a. Librarian - refers to an individual who is a bona fide holder of a Certificate of

Registration and Professional Identification Card issued by the Professional Regulatory
Board for Librarians and by the Professional Regulation Commission in accordance with
R.A. 9246
b. Commission - refers to the Professional Regulation Commission.
c. Board refers to the Professional Regulatory Board for Librarians
d. Computer-assisted/computer-backed information systems refer to applications
of computer technologies that aid in facilitating communication between and
among users within and beyond the library walls.
e. Conservation refers to the use of chemical and physical procedures in the treatment of
pest-infested or damaged books, manuscripts, records and other documents to ensure
their preservation.
f.

Consultancy Service refers to a special counsel rendered to a library by an expert or

group of experts usually external, commissioned to study and assess the overall
operation or specific areas of concern to improve library service for a corresponding
professional fee.

g. Database refers to a collection of logically related data that supports shared access by
multiple users and is protected and managed to retain its value over time.
h. Information Technology refers to the electronic means of capturing, processing and
communicating information for fast delivery of services and other operations.
i.

Information Science refers to the study of the creation, use, and management of
information in all its forms.

j.

Librarianship refers to the profession concerned with the application of the principles,
theories, techniques and technologies of recorded knowledge that contribute to the
establishment, organization, dissemination, utilization, and preservation of collections of
library materials.

k. Library/Information Center refers to an organization managed by licensed librarians

that holds, acquires, and builds collections of sources of information and provides
physical, bibliographical and intellectual access to information they contain.
l.

Library Information System refers to customized or commercialized computer-assisted

software/hardware package that automates the different library functions and provides
access to online and network services.
19

m. Library Management/Administration (to avoid confusion over semantics, they will be

used interchangeably) refers to a group of executive functions applied to libraries such
as planning, programming, organizing, directing, coordinating, reporting, controlling, and
appraising performance in order to achieve optimum efficiency and benefit from library
service.
n. Library Science refers to the body of knowledge on the art and science of acquiring,
selecting, organizing, preserving sources of information, their proper and timely
dissemination, and/or opportunities for optimum access.
o. Multi-Media refers to a combination of more than one type of medium of information
resource available in print, non-print, and electronic/digitized formats.
Section 5. Scope of the Practice of Librarianship Librarianship shall deal with the
performance of the librarians function, which shall include, but not be limited to the following:
1.

Selection and acquisition of multi-media sources of information which would best

respond to clienteles need for adequate, relevant and timely information based on
a collection development policy/program;

2.

Cataloguing and classification of knowledge or sources of information into relevant

organized collections and creation of local databases for speedy access, retrieval
or delivery of information;

3.

Development of computer-assisted/computer- backed information systems which

would permit online and network services;

4.

Establishment of library system and procedures for dissemination of information;

rendering of information, reference and research assistance; archiving library
materials; and education of users;

5.

Teaching, mentoring, lecturing and reviewing of library, archives and information

science subjects taught in library schools, including subjects given
in the licensure examination;

6.

Rendering of services involving technical knowledge/expertise in abstracting,

indexing, cataloguing and classifying; or the preparation of bibliographies, subject
20

authority lists, thesauri, union catalogues, and finding aids;

7.

Preparation, evaluation or appraisal of plans, programs and/or projects for the

establishment, organization, development and growth of libraries or information
centers, and the determination of library requirements for space, buildings,
structures or facilities;

8.

Provision of professional and consultancy services or advice on any aspect of

librarianship;

9.

Organization, conservation, preservation and restoration of historical and cultural

documents and other intellectual properties.

10. Managing or directing the overall operations of the library/information center or one
of its divisions, departments, or sections;
11. Rendering accreditation service to a library for the purpose of assessing the overall
operation or specific areas of concern to improve library service.

RULE II
CREATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR LIBRARIANS
Section 6. Creation and Composition of the Board. - The Professional Regulatory Board for
Librarians, hereinafter referred to as the Board for Librarians, a three-man board created under
the provisions of Republic Act No. 9246, shall be under the administrative supervision and
control of the Professional Regulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission.
The Board for Librarians shall be composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members who
shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from among the list of
three (3) recommendees for each position submitted by the Commission. The
Commission, in turn, shall select its recommendees from among the list of five (5) nominees for
each position submitted by the accredited integrated national professional organization of
librarians from among the librarians of recognized standing who qualify under Section 7 of R.A.
9246.
The new Board shall be constituted within three (3) months from the effectivity of R.A. 9246.
Section 7. Qualifications of Members of the Board. - The Chairperson and members of the
Board, at the time of their appointment, shall possess the following qualifications:
21

a.
b.
c.
d.

A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

A good reputation and moral character;
A librarian as defined in "Section 4(a)" of R.A. 9246
Active in the practice of librarianship for at least ten (10) years, five (5) years of which is
in a managerial position;
e. Must not be a member of the faculty of a university, college, school or institution
conferring the academic degree on librarianship, or offering review classes for librarian
licensure examination; nor a person who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in
any such institution; and
f.

Must not be an incumbent officer of the accredited, integrated national professional

organization of librarians.

Section 8. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Board. The Board shall exercise
executive/administrative, rule making and quasi-judicial powers in carrying out the provisions of
R.A.9246. The specific powers, functions, duties and responsibilities of the Board are as
follows:
a. To promulgate and administer the IRR of The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003
necessary to carry out the provisions of R.A. 9246.
b. To administer oaths in connection with the administration of R.A. 9246.
c. To adopt an official seal of the Board.
d. To issue, suspend or revoke the Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card or grant or cancel a temporary/special permit;
e. To look into the conditions affecting the practice of librarianship, and when necessary,
adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance
of high ethical, moral and professional standards of librarianship;
f.

To adopt polices and set the standards for all types of libraries, librarians and practice of
librarianship;

g. To ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), that all
institutions offering library, archives, and information science education comply with
prescribed standards for curriculum, faculty and facilities for course offerings of library
science, or library and information science;
h. To adopt and prescribe a Code of Ethics, and a Code of Technical Standards for
Librarians;

22

i.

To hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of R.A. 9246, the
IRR of The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003 or Code of Ethics including
provisions of the Code of Good Governance for the Profession in the
Philippines or Code of Technical Standards for Librarians; and for this purpose,
shall issue summons, subpoena ad testificandum and subpoena duces tecum to
ensure the appearance of witnesses/violators to compel their attendance and
the presentation of relevant documents in connection with such investigations or
hearings.

j.

To prescribe guidelines in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in coordination

with the accredited and integrated association for professional librarians
k. To prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi or terms of specification of subjects for
the librarian licensure examination consistent with the policies and standards set by the
CHED in consultation with the academe in accordance with Sec. 9 (h) of R.A. No. 8981

l.

To discharge other powers and duties as the Board may deem necessary for the practice
of librarianship and the continued growth and development of librarians, libraries and
library education in the Philippines.

m. To act as a quasi-judicial body with the powers provided in R.A. No. 9246 and
Sec. 9 of R.A. 8981 which are not limited to the following:
1. To delegate the hearing or investigation of cases filed before the Board, except in
cases where the issue or question strictly involves the practice of librarianship, in
which case, the hearing shall be presided over by at least one (1) member of the
Board assisted by a Legal or Hearing Officer of the Commission, subject to the
applicable provisions of R.A. 9246.
2. To conduct, through the Legal Officers of the Commission, summary proceedings on
minor violations of R.A. 9246 and violations of the general instructions to examinees
committed by examinees, and to render summary judgments thereon. (paragraph
justification)
3. To render judgments or decisions in all investigations and hearings as a collegial body
and by a majority vote of all its members subject to the provisions of R.A. 9246.
Provided, That, all such judgments or decisions shall, unless appealed to the
Commission, become final and executory after fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the
notice of judgment or decision.
n. To act as a licensure examination body with powers which are not limited to the
following:
23

1. To determine and prepare the questions for the licensure examinations which
shall strictly be within the scope of the syllabus or table of specifications of the
subjects for examination.
2. To score and rate the examination papers with the name and signature of the Board
member concerned appearing thereon and submit the results in all subjects duly
signed by the members of the Board to the Commission within ten (10) days from the
last day of the examination unless extended by the Commission for justifiable
cause/s.
o.

To conduct ocular inspections in schools, colleges or universities, in coordination with

the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issued or promulgated by the Board shall be
subject to review and approval of the Commission. However, the Board's decision, resolution or
order rendered in administrative case shall be subject to review only if on appeal.
Section 9. Term of Office. - The Chairperson and the members of the Board shall hold office for
a term of three (3) years until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified.
Provided, That the members of the first Board to be appointed after the approval of R.A 9246,
shall hold office for the following terms: the Chairperson for three (3) years, one member for two
(2) years and the other member for one (1) year. Provided, further, That the Chairperson or any
member of the Board may be re-appointed for another term of three (3) years but in no case
shall the whole term exceed six (6) years. Each member shall take the proper oath of office.
Section 10. Compensation of the Board The members of the Board shall receive
compensation equivalent to, at least, two salary grades lower than the salary grade of the
Commissioners: Provided, That, the Chairperson shall receive a monthly compensation of two
salary steps higher than the members of the Board; Provided, further, that they shall be entitled
to other allowances and benefits provided under existing laws, and Provided, finally, That this
section shall be implemented in accordance with the Circular to be issued jointly by the
Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Commission as provided for in the
General Appropriations Act. (GAA)
Section 11. Removal or Suspension of Board Members The Chairperson or any member of
the Board may be removed or suspended by the President of the Philippines on
recommendation of the Commission if found guilty after a proper administrative investigation,
based on the following grounds: neglect of duty, incompetence, unprofessional, unethical,
immoral or dishonorable conduct; any violation of R.A. 9246, or the Code of Ethics and the
Code of Technical Standards for Librarians; or commission or toleration of irregularities in the
examination such as manipulation, rigging of examination results, disclosure of secrets and
information on examination questions prior to conduct of examination, tampering of grades or
final judgment, or criminal offense involving moral turpitude.

24

The Commission in the conduct of the investigation shall be guided by Sec. 7(s) of R.A No.
8981.
Section 12. Executive Officer and the Secretary of the Board The Chairperson of the
Commission shall be the Executive Officer of the Board and shall conduct the licensure
examination for librarians. The Commission shall designate the Secretary of the Board and shall
provide the Secretariat and other support services to implement the provisions of R.A. 9246.
All records of the Board including the applications for examinations, examination papers,
answer sheets, minutes of deliberations, and other records and documents pertaining to
licensure examination, records of administrative proceedings and investigations shall be kept by
the Commission under the direct custody of the Secretary.
SECTION 13.. Annual Report. - The Board shall submit to the Commission after the close of
each calendar year, its annual report of accomplishments which shall include a detailed account
of the operation of the Board for the year and the appropriate recommendation on issues or
problems affecting the profession.
RULE III

LICENSURE EXAMINATION AND REGISTRATION

Section 14. Examinations. - Applicants for registration, except those specifically allowed under
Section 19 of R.A. 9246 No. 9246, shall be required to undergo a written licensure examination
to be given by the Board in such places and dates the Commission may designate subject to
compliance with the requirements prescribed by the Commission.
Section 15. Qualification of Applicants Applicants for licensure examination must meet the
following qualifications at the time of filing of applications:
a) He/She is a citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whose country has reciprocity
with the Philippines in the practice of librarianship as provided for in Sec. 28, Art. IV of
R.A. 9246 and Sec. 27, Rule IV of this IRR of the Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003;
b) He/She is in good health and possesses good moral character;
c. He/She is a graduate of Bachelors degree in Library Science and Information
Science: Provided, That a holder of a master's degree in Library and
Information Science shall be allowed to qualify for application to the licensure
examinations in accordance with the following proviso: Provided, further, That
25

within five (5) years from the effectivity of R.A. 9246 (March 16, 2004), holders of
the following degrees shall also be allowed to qualify for application to the
licensure examination:
1. Bachelor of Science in Education or Elementary Education; or Bachelor of Arts with a major
or specialization, at least eighteen (18) units in Library Science;
2. Master of Arts in Library Science or Library and Information Science; or
3. Any masteral degree with concentration in Library Science, at least eighteen (18) units.
The Board shall require any person applying for examination to submit the following supporting
documents with an accomplished form prescribed by the Commission:
1. Birth Certificate and Marriage Certificate (if married) issued by the National
Statistics Office on NSO security paper.
2. Diploma and Transcript of Records with date of graduation and Special Order,
if applicable (photocopy to be retained);
3. Certificate of Naturalization, if necessary.

4. Certificate of good moral character issued by current employer or local

Barangay official or parish priest or religious minister/pastor.
Section 16. Scope of Examination. The licensure examination for librarianship shall cover the
following subjects
1. selection and acquisition of multi-media sources of information;
2. cataloguing and classification;
3. indexing and abstracting;
4. reference, bibliography and information services;
5. organization, management and development and maintenance of multi-media
based library or information service, laws, trends and practices affecting the
profession
6. information technology
26

The Board may modify or add to the above subjects as needs and demands in the library
profession may require.
Section 17. Ratings in the Board Examination. To be qualified as having passed the licensure
examination, a candidate must obtain a weighted general average of seventy-five percent
(75%), with no grade lower than fifty percent (50%) in any subject.
The Board may adopt its own internal procedures on the implementation of this provision.
Section 18. Report of Results of Examination. The Board shall report to the Commission the
results of the examination and the ratings of the examinees within ten (10) days after the
examination. Provided, That, the report of rating may be distributed to the successful examinees
during their mass oath taking as new registered/licensed librarians.
Section 19. Registration without Examination. The Board shall issue to any person, upon
application and payment of the required fees, a Certificate of Registration and a Professional
Identification Card as a registered librarian, provided he/she meets any of the following
qualifications obtained from the date of the effectivity of Republic Act No. 6966 (on or before
December 5, 1990) as prescribed under Sec. 19 of R.A. 9246:
a. a practicing librarian with a bachelors degree, and a librarian or supervising librarian
eligibility; or
b. a practicing librarian who completed at least a bachelors degree, eighteen (18) units
in Library Science, five (5) years experience in librarianship, and a first grade eligible
or its equivalent; or
c. a practicing librarian with a masters degree in Library Science or Library and
Information Science, a first grade eligible or its equivalent; or
d. a practicing librarian with a bachelors degree, eighteen
Science, and seven (7) years experience in librarianship.

(18) units in Library

Those who qualify under any of the foregoing categories shall be given three (3) years
(reckoned from the effectivity of R.A. 9246 ( on March 16, 2004) to apply for exemption and be
included in the Roster of Philippine Librarians.
The Board shall require any person applying for exemption from the licensure
examination to submit the following documents together with the prescribed application form:

a.

Certificate of a Librarian/Supervising Librarian eligibility duly authenticated

27

by the Civil Service Commission, when applicable;

b.

Diploma and Transcript of Records with Special Order Number and Date
of Graduation or certified photocopy by the school authority;

c. Service Records indicating the position title with the duties for the position
duly certified by the Personnel Officer and notarized;
d.

Certification of good moral character issued by three (3) persons of good

standing in his/her community one of which must be issued by the Barangay
Captain/Chairman in the community where the applicant resides (Original
copy); and

e. NBI and Ombudsman Clearances for government-employed applicants, or NBI

Clearance for privately-employed applicants.
Section 20. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. Those
who passed the licensure examination for librarians, or are registered without examination
under R.A. 9246 shall be issued a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card by the Commission upon the recommendation of the Board, and shall be included in the
Roster of Philippine Librarians.
The Certificate of Registration shall bear the signature of the Chairperson of the Commission
and the Chairperson and members of the Board stamped with the official seals of the Board and
the Commission indicating that the person named therein is entitled to practice the profession
with all the privileges appurtenant thereto. The said Certificate shall remain in full force and
effect until suspended or revoked in accordance with R.A. 9246.
A Professional Identification Card bearing the name and signature of the registrant, registration
number, date of issuance, expiry date, duly signed by the Chairperson of the Commission, shall
likewise be issued to every registrant who has paid the prescribed fee of annual registration for
three (3) years; Provided, that, the re-issuance or renewal of the said card shall be subject to
payment of the annual registration fees for another and every after three (3) years.
Section 21. Oath of Profession. All successful examinees qualified for registration and all
qualified applicants for registration without examination shall be required to take an oath of
profession before any Commission Officer or member of the Board or any government official
authorized to administer oaths prior to entering into the practice of librarianship in the
Philippines on a date and place determined by the Board and approved by the Commission.

28

The successful examinee shall register at the Professional Regulation Commission after having
taken his/her oath and, upon payment of the required fees, shall be issued a Certificate of
Registration and a Professional Identification Card.
Section 22. Refusal to Issue Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card.
The Board shall not register any successful examinee nor any applicant for registration without
examination if he/she has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal
offense involving moral turpitude or has been found guilty of immoral and dishonorable conduct
after investigation of the Board, or has been declared to be of unsound mind. The reason for the
refusal shall be set forth in writing.
The Board in the written statement shall state the period of deferment of the registration if the
offence or act committed does not call for indefinite period and/or perpetual deprivation of the
chance to register.
Section 23. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration and Professional
Identification Card or Cancellation of Temporary/ Special Permit. The Board has the power,
after due notice and hearing, to revoke or suspend the Certificate of Registration or cancel a
temporary or special permit of any librarian on any ground stated under Section 22 of R.A. 9246
or for any of the following:
unprofessional or dishonorable conduct;
malpractice;
incompetence;
serious ignorance or negligence in the practice of librarianship;
6. fraud;
7. deceit or falsification in obtaining a certificate of registration, professional
identification card, or temporary/special permit;
1.
2.
3.
4.

8. abetment of illegal practice by allowing illegal use of his/her certificate of

registration, or professional identification card, or temporary/special permit;
9. practice of profession during the period of suspension;
10. any violation of R.A. 9246, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the Code
of Ethics or the Code of Technical Standards for Librarians, or Board policies.

The respondent may appeal the Board's decision, order/resolution to the Commission within
fifteen (15) days from receipt thereof.

The Board shall periodically examine the grounds for the revocation of the Certificate of
Registration and Professional Identification Card and update these as necessary .

Any person, firm or association, may file charges in accordance with the provisions of this
section against any registrant, or the Board may motu proprio investigate and/or take
29

cognizance of acts and practices constituting sufficient cause for suspension or revocation of
the Certificate of Registration by proper resolution or order. Such charges shall be in writing
and shall be sworn to by the person making them and shall be filed with the Board through the
Legal and Investigation Office.
The rules on administrative investigation issued by the Commission shall govern the hearing or
investigation of the case, subject to applicable provisions of R.A 9246, R.A. 8981, and the
Rules of Court.
Section 24. Reissuance of Revoked Certificate of Registration and Replacement of Lost
Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card. - The Board after two (2) years
from the date of revocation of the Certificate of Registration may reissue a certificate upon
application.
A new Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card, or temporary/special
permit, which has been lost, destroyed or mutilated may be reissued after payment of the
required fee prescribed by the Commission.
The Board shall issue a Resolution, subject to approval by the Commission, in granting a
petition for reinstatement to the practice of librarianship.
Section 25. Roster of Librarians The Board, in coordination with the accredited and integrated
national organization of librarians, shall maintain an up-to-date, complete and properly
organized Roster, which shall include those who had been issued Certificates of Registration
under Republic Act No. 6966 and those who shall qualify under RA No. 9246 to contain the
following data:
a. alphabetical list by surname of librarians with their addresses and license numbers;
b. the list of licensees, numerically arranged by license numbers; and
c. such other list which the Board may deem necessary.
Copies of the Roster, which shall be provided to the National Library, the Civil Service
Commission, and the accredited national organization of librarians, shall be kept as permanent
record.
RULE IV
PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIP
Section 26. Illegal Practice of Librarianship. Any person who has not been issued a valid
Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card or a temporary/ special permit by
the Commission shall not practice or offer to practice librarianship in the Philippines or assume
30

any position, which involve performing the function of a librarians as provided under Section 5 of
R.A. 9246.
Section 27.. Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card and Professional Tax
Receipt.- The Certificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card and Professional Tax
Receipt number which the City/Municipal Treasurer shall issue to the librarian shall be reflected
in any document issued/signed in connection with the practice of the profession.
Section 28. Foreign Reciprocity. A librarian from another country shall be admitted for
licensure examination, be issued a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification
Card and be entitled to the rights and privileges appurtenant to R.A. 9246, if the country or state
he/she is a citizen of or subject, permits Filipino librarians to practice librarianship on an equal
basis as the librarians of said country or state:
Provided, That the requirements for Certificate of Registration in said country or state are
substantially the same as the requirements under R.A. 9246; Provided, further, That the law of
such country or state grants Filipino librarians the same privileges as the citizens/subjects of the
country/state.
A foreign citizen, whether he/she studies in the Philippines or not, who desires to take the
licensure examination for Librarians through reciprocity shall initiate the establishment of
reciprocity between his country/state and the Philippines by presenting/submitting a letter or any
document signed and under official seal by the appropriate official of his country/state
requesting the Chairman of the Board to allow the foreign applicant to take the licensure
examination of the Board that by express provision of the law of his country/state, Filipino
citizens shall be allowed to take the licensure examination for Librarians and to register as
Librarian in his country/state on terms of strict and absolute equality with the citizens or subjects
of said country or state including the unconditional recognition of prerequisite degrees issued by
institutions of higher learning duly recognized or established by the Government of the Republic
of the Philippines attaching/appending thereto an authentic or authenticated official copy of said
law officially translated in the English language.
If the letter/document and the copy of the law submitted by the applicant is satisfactory to the
Board, the Board shall issue a Resolution allowing the foreign applicant to take the licensure
examination for Librarians by requiring him/her to file an application to take the licensure
examination and by submitting the following documents that shall accompany the application:
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a. The original or certified copy of any official document issued by the Bureau of
Immigration and Deportation allowing the applicant to enter and reside in the Philippines;
b. Present his/her passport for examination and for photocopying of pertinent information
about the applicant;

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c. Original or authenticated copy of transcript of records or equivalent document of the

course for licensure examination issued by the institution of higher learning where
he/she studied, duly authorized or accredited by his/her country/state; and
d. Other document which may be required to be submitted by the Board.
Section 29. Vested Rights: Automatic Registration of Practicing Librarians. All practicing
librarians who are registered at the time R.A. 9246 takes effect on March 16, 2004 shall
automatically be registered.
Section 30. Integrated and Accredited National Organization of Librarians. All registered
librarians shall be integrated under one organization recognized and accredited by the Board
and approved by the Commission pursuant to PRC Resolution No. 2004-178, Series of 2004.
A librarian duly registered and licensed by the Board and the Commission shall automatically
become a member of the integrated and accredited professional organization, and shall receive
the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required fees and dues.
Membership in the integrated and accredited professional organization shall not be a bar to
membership in any other association of librarians.
Section 31. Employment of Librarians. Only qualified and licensed librarians shall be
employed as librarians in all government libraries. Local government units shall be given a
period of three (3) years from the approval of R.A. 9246 on February 19, 2004 to comply with
this provision.
RULE V
PENAL AND FINAL PROVISIONS
Section 32. Penal Provisions. Any person who practices or offers to practice any function of
a librarian as provided for under Section 5 of R.A. 9246, who is not registered, and has not been
issued by the Commission a Certificate of Registration and
Professional Identification Card, or a temporary/special permit, or who violates any of the
provisions of R.A. 9246, and this IRR of the Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003, shall, upon
conviction, be penalized by a fine of not less Thirty thousand pesos (P30,000.00) nor more than
One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00), or imprisonment of not less than one (1) month
nor more than three (3) years at the discretion of the court.
Section 33. Funding Provision. - The Chairperson of the Professional Regulation Commission
shall immediately include in the Commission's program the implementation R.A. 9246, the
funding which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
(GAA)
The amount necessary to carry out the initial implementation of R.A. No. 9246 shall be charged
against the current years appropriations of the Professional Regulation Commission.
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Thereafter, such sums as maybe necessary for the continued implementation of R.A. No. 9246
shall be included in the succeeding General Appropriations Act. (GAA)
Section 34. Transitory Provision .- The present Board shall continue to function in the interim
until such time as the new Board shall have been constituted pursuant to R.A. 9246.
Section 35. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Board, subject to the approval of the Commission, shall promulgate, adopt and issue rules
and regulations, and the Code of Ethics and the Code of Technical Standards for Librarians
which shall take effect fifteen (15) days following full and complete publication in the Official
Gazette or newspaper of general circulation.
Section 36. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Implementing Rules and Regulations
of Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003 or the application of such provision to any person or
circumstances is held or declared invalid or unconstitutional, such judgment shall be merely
confined to that particular clause, provision, paragraph or part directly involved in the
controversy in which such judgment has been rendered. The other provisions hereof which are
not affected shall remain in full force and effect.
Section 37. Repealing Clause. Any provisions of the rules, regulations, codes, orders,
resolutions, measures, and other policies or parts thereof issued and promulgated pursuant to
R.A. No. 6966, P.D. No. 223 (as amended), R.A. No. 8981, and other laws which are
inconsistent with this IRR of the Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003 are hereby superseded,
repealed or amended accordingly.
Section 38. Effectivity. This IRR of the Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003 shall take effect
after fifteen (15) days following its full and complete publication in the Official Gazette or
national newspaper of general circulation.

Done in the City of Manila this 15th day of September 2004.

(Sgd.) PERLA T. GARCIA

Chairman

(Sgd.) CORAZON M.NERA

Member

(Sgd.) ELIZABETH R. PERALEJO

Member

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Attested:
(Sgd.) CARLOS G. ALMELOR
Secretary
Professional Regulatory Board

Approved:

(Sgd.) ANTONIETA FORTUNA-IBE

Chairperson

(Sgd.) AVELINA A. DE LA REA

Member

(Sgd.) LEONOR TRIPON-ROSERO

Member

/irra9-14-04
PTG/CGA/SAT/Ela

References:
Aluan, Boyet. 2012. Historical and Legal Foundation of Education in the Philippines [slide
presentation]
http://www.slideshare.net/BoyetAluan/legal-foundation-of-education-in-the-philippines
Crus, Prudencia. 2005. The National Library of the Philippines and the Philippine eLib:
Effective Tools for Education and Research Services [slide presentation]: A paper presented
during the LiSA Conferences (Library.Solution Annual Conference) at Wyndham Baltimore
Inner Harbor Hotel on September 12-13, 2005.
http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/documents/ungc/unpan040111.pdf
History of the National Library of the Philippines
http://web.nlp.gov.ph/nlp/?q=node/190
National Library of the Philippines
http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/OPCCB/OPIF2011/OEO/NLP.pdf
Pineda, Keith William. 2013. Foundations of Education: Legal Bases of the Philippine
Education System [slide presentation]
http://www.slideshare.net/kitpineda221/legal-bases-of-the-education-system-21443065
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Republic of the Philippines: House of Representatives

http://hreplib.congress.gov.ph/
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2004/ra_9246_2004.html

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