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Introduced by Councilor FRANZ S. PUMAREN.

Co-Introduced by Councilors Ricardo T. Belmante, Jr., Dorothy A. Delarmente, Lena Marie P. Juico, Alexis R. Herrera, Precious Hipolito Castelo, Voltaire Godofredo L. Liban III, Roderick M. Paulate, Ranulfo Z. Ludovica, Ramon P. Medalla, Estrella c. Valmocina, Allan Benedict S. Reyes, Gian Carlo G. Sotto, Jaime F. Borres, Jesus Manuel C. Suntay, Vincent DG. Belmonte, Raquel S. Malangen, Jessica Castelo Daza, Bayani V. Hipol, Julienne Alyson Rae V. Medalla,. Godofredo T. Liban II, Allan Butch T. Francisco. Karl Edgar C. Castelo, Candy A. Medina, Diorella Maria G. Sotto, Marivic Co-Pilar, Rogelio "Roger" P. Juan, Melencio "Bobby" T. Castelo, Jr., Donato C, Matias and Ricardo S. Corpuz.

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WHEREAS, Republic Act. No. 7743, otherwise, 'known as "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", lays down the policy of the state to promote the moral intellectual well-being of the people; elevate the, literacy level of every Filipino to the end that illiteracy is eradicated by the end of the century and recognize the vital role of knowledge and information in nation building by establishing public libraries in every congressional district, city and municipality, and reading centers in every Barangay throughout the Philippines;

WHEREAS, notwithstanding the period stated to their establishment, it has been observed that not every Barangay in the city has a Barangay Reading Center which can complement the good and quality services provided by the Quezon City Office of the City Librarian to Quezon City residents through its Main Library located inside the City Hall compound and through its different branches in the following areas: Balingasa, Project 7, Project 8, Barangay Sagong Pag-asa, Lagro, Novaliches, Payatas, Payatas 8, Talipapa, Pasong Tamo, Bagumbayan, Pansoi, Greater Project 4, Escopa II, Escopa III, Cubao, Cruz Na Ligas, Roxas, Galas, and Horseshoe;

WHEREAS, recognizing the laudable purpose of R.A. No. 7743 and immense benefit, learning and knowledge it can contribute to Quezon City constituents, the Quezon City Government recognized the need to require establishment of Barangay Reading Centers in all Barangays within the city to promote and encourage reading at the grassroots level, particularly in the Barangay, with the end view of enhancing intellectual capabilities of every individual, promoting the habit of reading, and ultimately eradicating illiteracy in the community;

WHEREAS, pursuant to R.A. No. 7160 and the view of the foregoing, there is hereby established a Barangay Reading Center in every Barangay within Quezon City, subject to the exceptions stated in the above-enumerated Barangay Libraries, with the annual budget, appropriation stated thereon;

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF QUEZON CITY IN REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED.

Section 1. This Ordinance shall be known as "Barangay Reading Center Ordinance of 2014."

Section 2. Definition of terms:

1. Barangay - the basic political unit which serves as the primary planning and implementing unit of the government policies, plans, programs, projects and activities in the community and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled.
   
   
2. Barangay Reading Center - a public library, located in and established and maintained by a Barangay and caters primarily to the library and Information needs of Barangay resident.
   
   
3. Barangay Reading Center in Charge (BRC-In-Charge) - a person who manages and supervises the day to day activities inside the Barangay Reading Center with the duties and functions similar to librarian.
   
   
4. City - a political unit consisting of more urbanized and developed Barangays and serves as a general purpose government for the coordination and delivery of basic, regular and direct services and effective governance of the inhabitants within its territorial jurisdiction.
   
   
5. City Library - a public library located, established, maintained and supported by the city government and primarily for the use of residence of the City.
   
   
6. Librarian - is any person who is a bonafide holder of a license and a certificate of registration issued by the Professional Commission Board of Librarians in accordance with R.A. No. 6966.
   
   
7. Library - is a collection of books and similar material organized and administered for reading, consultation and study.
   
   
8. Public Library - is library located in, established and maintained by the city or the barangay as the case may be and serves or caters primarily.

Section 3. Establishment and Functions of Barangay Reading Centers. - Except for Barangays with existing libraries or Barangay Reading Center/s, a Barangay in Quezon city, effective the following year of this ordinance.

The Public Libraries and Barangay Reading Centers shall have the following functions:

1. To make available to the members of the community reading materials of wide array including reading materials prescribed by the Department of Education Culture and Sports and national newspaper of general circulation and others;
   
   
2. To be used as a venue for audio-visual presentation in the community and other kinds of exhibitions and activities aimed at increasing the literacy rate by government agencies, non-governmental organizations or private entities in the dissemination of information of general interest; and
   
   
3. To offer such other related services in furtherance of R.A. No. 7743.

Section 4. Staff of the Barangay Reading Center and Remunerations.

1. Each Barangay Reading Center shall have one Barangay Reading Center In Charge (BRC-In-Charge) who must have finished at least two year college education and who is a first level (sub-professional eligible).
   
   
2. The BRC or Barangay Reading Center In-Charge shall be entitled to an allowance of Eight Thousand Pesos (Php8,000) per month or Ninety Six Thousand Pesos (Php 96,000) per year.

Section 5. Additional Barangay Reading Center Personnel - The number of staff can be increased provided that such increase will be a subject of another ordinance with the additional appropriation thereof.

Section 6. Appropriation - The Barangay shall allocated One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,00), from their yearly budget, for the start of the Barangay Reading Center. Also, the allowance of the BRC In-chargefor one (1) year, amounting to Ninety Six Thousand Peso9s (Php96,000) pursuant to Section 4, Par. b of this Ordinance, must also be allocated.

Section 7. Role and Responsibilities of the Punong Barangay.

It shall be the duty of the Punong Barangay to provide the following:

1. Library appropriation. An annual library appropriation to be drawn from certain percentage raised from the Barangay permit fees and other income of the Barangay.
   
   
2. A room within the Barangay Hall/Compound/Center of adequate size that can cater to the needs of the reading public.
   
   
3. Sufficient number of chairs, reading tables, bookshelves, audio-visual equipment, desktop/laptop/tablet computers.
   
   
4. An up-to-date and adequate collection of books, serials periodicals, newspapers and other library materials.

Section 8. Delegation of Authority - The Punong Barangay and the members of the Barangay Council may be deputized by the City Librarian to perform certain functions which may be necessary, subject to certain standards and guidelines.

Section 9. Memorandum of Agreement - A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) shall be executed between the National Library and the Quezon City Government through the City Librarian. It shall be executed to ensure the sustainability or continued existence of the library even during the change of local officials. Pursuant to Section 7 of R.A. No. 7743, the MOA shall likewise contain an annual provision stating that the National Library shall supply books, library materials and other needs of Barangay congruent to the purpose and function of Barangay Reading Center.

Section 10. Barangay Library Board and Friends of the Library.

1. A Barangay Library Board shall be organized in every Barangay Reading Center to symbolize the democratic character of the library and shall be appointed by publicly elected officials. The Board shall act as advisory and policy setting authority but can provide stability and continuity especially during changing times.
   
   
2. The Barangay Library Board shall be composed of Punong Barangay as Chairperson; the Chairperson of the Committee on Education in the Barangay Council, the representative from youth, the BRC-In-Charge, Barangay Treasurer, the duly elected president of the Friends of the Library or book clubs to represent non-government organization (NGO), The BRC In-Charge shall act as Secretary.
   
   
3. The performance of the duties and responsibilities of the above-mentioned officials on the Barangay library Board shall not be delegated.
   
   
4. Friends of the Barangay Reading Center. The Barangay Reading Center shall organize the Friends of the Barangay Reading Center to support the projects and activities of the library.

Section 11. Functions of the Barangay Library Board. The following are functions of the Barangay Library Board:

1. Determine, in accordance with the criteria set by the National Library, the annual supplementary budgetary needs for the operation and maintenance of the Barangay Reading Center and the supplementary local cost of meeting such needs, which shall be reflected in the form of an annual Barangay Library Board budget.
   
   
2. Authorize the treasurer as to disbursement of funds pursuant to the budget prepared by the Barangay Council and in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
   
   
3. To serve as an advisory committee to the Barangay Council on library matters such as but not limited to the necessity for and application of local appropriations for Baramgay Reading Center purposes.
   
   
4. Create committees which shall advice local library agencies on matters such as but not limited to personnel selection and promotion, bids and awards, grievances and complaints, personnel discipline, budge review, operations review and similar functions.
   
   
5. To find ways and means in increasing the books and non-books collections of the library and in improving the facilities of the library.

Section 12. Meetings and Quorum; Budget; Compensation and Remuneration.

Meeting of the Barangay Library Board shall be held two (2) times and shall be called by the Chairperson. A special meeting may be scheduled and/or a special meeting may be called when the need arises. A simple majority (one half plus one) of all its members shall constitute a quorum. The BRC In-Charge shall prepare the Barangay Reading Center Budget. Such budget shall be supported by programs, projects, and activities of the Barangay Library Board for the ensuring fiscal year. The affirmative vote of the majority of all the members shall be necessary to approve the budget including therein the compensation and remuneration of the members.

Section 13. Operation - The Barangay Reading Center shall operate from Monday to Saturday, wherein during Mondays it shall be open only from 12:00 noon-5.00 p.m. and during Tuesdays to Saturdays shall be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Section 14. Penalties - The Barangay Captain shall be held Administratively Liable in case of failure or compliance herewith. In the event, that an amount for this Ordinance was duly allocated in the yearly budget, and failed to comply herewith, the Barangay shall be administratively liable and shall return the said amount.

Section 15. Repealing Clause - All ordinances contrary to or inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 16. Separability Clause - If any part or provision of this Ordinance is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other parts or provisions hereof.

Section 17. Eftectivity Clause - This ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

ENACTED: July 7, 2014.


ATTESTED:

(Sgd.) ATTY. JOHN THOMAS S. ALFEROS III
                City Gov't Asst. Dept. Head III


CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this Ordinance was APPROVED by the City Council on Second Reading on July 7, 2014 and we PASSED on Third/Final Reading on July 14, 2014.