Manila Academic & Public Library Educational Consortium: Strengthening Knowledge Networks for Lifelong Learning
In support of SDG 4 – Quality Education, the Manila Academic & Public Library Educational Consortium (MAPLEC) was formed to strengthen collaboration among academic and public libraries in the City of Manila last December 5, 2024. This partnership brings together Universidad de Manila, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, the Department of Education – Manila Cluster, Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST), and the Manila City Library.
Proposed to run from October 2025 to October 2026, MAPLEC aims to share resources, expertise, and best practices to improve access to information, enhance research support, and promote lifelong learning within the local government and academic communities.
Two preparatory meetings were held to establish the consortium’s framework:
- July 19, 2025 at the Manila City Library, where members introduced MAPLEC’s objectives, built collaborative partnerships, and outlined initial plans for shared resources and programs.
- September 10, 2025, where the consortium finalized its organizational structure, identified priority projects, and drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to be signed by Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso upon approval.
In line with its commitment to public resources and lifelong learning, MAPLEC will:
- Provide free access to educational resources for community members not currently enrolled in a university;
- Offer free courses leading;
- Allow free access to campus facilities; and
- Extend free access to online academic resources, including the Philippine E-Journals Database.
These initiatives embody MAPLEC’s vision of creating an inclusive educational ecosystem—where learning opportunities are open to all, supporting personal growth, community empowerment, and the nation’s pursuit of quality education.
