Brent Soriano, News, Communication Management Office
The University Records Management Office (URMO) launched its first Faculty and Staff Development (FSD) Series on Records and Archival Management on June 30, 2025, at the Bulwagang Bonifacio, Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center. The initiative aims to strengthen the University’s institutional memory through the systematic preservation and responsible management of records and archives.
The session featured two distinguished resource speakers: Adrian Mendizabal of the University of the Philippines (UP) Film Institute, and Dr. Iyra Buenrostro-Cabbab of the UP School of Library and Information Studies, both of whom brought deep insights into the discussions.
Mendizabal focused on the importance of cataloging cultural objects, introducing participants to “Cataloging Cultural Objects,” a standard by the American Library Association. He also led a hands-on session using CollectionBuilder, a digital tool for organizing cultural collections.
He emphasized the broader significance of the initiative stating, “We build repositories to ensure both preservation and access and archiving is inherently forward-looking — future-proofing the past and present so that objects and records remain accessible for generations to come.”
Dr. Buenrostro-Cabbab followed with an insightful discussion on archival access and ethics, emphasizing the complex role that archives play in society. She explained how archives can both empower and marginalize depending on how they are managed.
“Archives give voice to the unheard, but they can also be used to suppress narratives and legitimize oppression,” she noted. Citing Philippine laws on transparency and public access, she emphasized the need for culturally sensitive and legally sound recordkeeping practices.
The session ended with interactive ethical case scenarios, encouraging participants to reflect on real-world dilemmas in archival work and propose thoughtful solutions.
The lectures underscored not only the ethical complexities inherent in archival work but also the moral responsibility and critical reflection it entails. The discussions served as a powerful reminder that archival access is not just a technical task, but a moral imperative that determines whose histories are preserved and whose are left behind. It also aligns with sustainability initiatives to strengthen public institutions and ensure justice through systematic heritage conservation.
Upcoming sessions on digitalization and digital preservation will be conducted by URMO as part of the lecture series.
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