By: Jolo Van Clyde S. Abatayo, RL
The Society of American Archivists (SAA) defines an archives as a place where people go to find information. But rather than gathering information from books as you would in a library, people who do research in archives often gather first-hand facts, data, and evidence from letters, reports, notes, memos, photographs, audio and video recordings, and other primary sources. From this definition alone, we can initially comprehend how relevant and archives is to all of us, especially to future learners.
I really appreciate the purpose and mission of an archives because it preserves and safeguards the records and documents that have historical, cultural, fiscal, administrative, and enduring value to make them available for future endeavors. When we talk about an archival institution nationally, we have the mother of all archives here in our country which is the National Archives of the Philippines (NAP). This institution is really a big help to our country because it aims to augment transparency, public responsibility, and genuine governance. Furthermore, what I like about this establishment is that it upholds freedom of information (FOI), provide access to official records, and preserve and popularize Filipino cultural heritage so that we can make these relevant records available to the next generation.
Since this archival institution is a national establishment, the primary clienteles of the NAP are the Filipinos. As what its mission says that it aims to promote freedom of information, it should be open to the public. Those Filipinos who want to conduct research studies or other educational related activities, the NAP is the perfect place to visit and explore. I, myself is dreaming that someday I can explore the place for it will be a great achievement for me if I can step my feet there. You know I am passionate about my craft that is why I am so eager to navigate more about Library and Information Science, specifically in the field of archives and records management.
I am so amazed because NAP has also an official website that is very useful especially to those who cannot go directly to the place. While navigating the pages of the website, I was surprised because there is a lot of useful information you can access like archival records of the Government and other primary sources pertaining to the history and development of the Country. You can also find there the list of records that can be traced back to at least the 19th Century when the Spanish colonial government and the American colonial government in the Philippines. It also embeds the General Records Schedule of the Government. Aside from its Records Management and Reference Services, it provides Technical Assistance and Continuing Education services to the general public. When it comes to content, I commend the website because it embeds relevant and historical documents that are useful especially when you want to conduct research or just do some educational related activities. It is really an excellent site because it promotes information literacy and upholds freedom of information.
When it comes to the services offered, what I really love is that it offers various services like Archives Preservation, Archives Collection, and Access, Records Management Services, Reference Services, and Technical Assistance and Continuing Education services to the public. The site is easy to navigate or browse. I find it easy to locate every feature it provides. Though there is a little bit of difficulty that I have experienced at first, I still love the site because it is easy to navigate. Overall, the site is very useful and relevant, especially in today’s generation.
I want to commend Ma’am Aine Mecisamente for her efforts in sharing with us more about archives and records management. I have learned a lot from her. I am so happy that she chose this topic because, in my master’s studies, Archives and Records management is one of the subjects that I have to conquer in the first semester. Our instructor for that subject is Prof. Annabelle P. Acedera. She is one of the exceptional and brilliant professors at Lourdes College. She has a lot of ideas and interesting facts about our craft that is why I am also excited to attend our class. What is also amazing about the subject is that we got the chance to explore different archives and museums in Cagayan de Oro City. We have already visited the City Archives of CdO, Archdiocese of CdO Archives, Capitol University’s Museum of Three Cultures, CU Art Gallery, Xavier University’s Museo de Oro, and the Museum of Cagayan de Oro City.
I want to share something about my experience in the City Archives of CdO. Last July 20, 2018, the whole MLIS 108 together with our instructor, Prof. Annabelle Acedera visited the amazing City Archives of Cagayan de Oro City. It was a very wonderful experience because I got the chance to experience what it feels like to be in an archival institution. I have learned a lot because during my undergraduate studies, our instructor only tackled the concepts and we did not get the chance to visit an actual archival organization.
From the first area alone, you can see so many things that are historically valuable because there are photographs that are displayed like the photos of the former city mayors. There are also photos showing the significant and historical events happened here in Cagayan de Oro City. The archivists there also assisted us in order for us to be aware of the existence of this archives and the records and documents it houses.
The most exciting part was when we went inside. I saw boxes or compilers and what came first on my mind was that those boxes are non-acidic and they contain significant documents. The archivist explained to us that these resources must be preserved that’s why they give extra effort in handling them. They must protect these resources for they are rare and sensitive to agents of deterioration. They must follow the preservation measures and policies so that they can prolong the life of these materials.
As I have said on the reflection that I wrote last time that, I dream to establish an archives in my workplace, Saint Michael College of Caraga. In addition, in the Evidence-based Librarianship Scenario that I made, I really focused on the establishment of an archival institution in SMCC. I want to scan and evaluate SMCC’s available records and documents. SMCC alone has documents and records like the memorandum of agreements, permits, accrediting agencies certifications, written historical reports, development plans, important institutional manuals, relevant documents of the former administrators, and many more.
Moreover, I believe that the Saint Michael Church has massive records and documents like files on congregations and conferences, Church historical resources, church publications, memoirs, records on evangelical proceedings, bibles, and other important religious documents and records. These records and documents are worthy to be preserved in an archives that is why if given a chance, I would really love to do it. With the help of my fellow librarians and our administration, I know this dream will be realized. I know that what I have learned from my professors will be very useful and I am so exhilarated to apply all of the concepts, approaches, and ideas that I have accumulated from them, in my workplace, Saint Michael College of Caraga.
