Empowering NDMU's BLIS Program: Strengthening Curriculum Through Regional Seminar

The Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) program has consistently upheld its commitment to improving student outcomes and academic performance. In line with this, Mrs. Jennifer Tidula and Mrs. Pearl Joy Villanueva—librarians and BLIS faculty members—participated in the Capability Building Program: Revisiting TOS, Innovative Pedagogy, and Curriculum Harmonization of LIS Education in the Region, held at the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan, Cotabato, from June 18 to 20, 2025.

This capability-building program aimed to equip LIS educators with updated strategies and emphasized the need to align curricula with the revised Table of Specification (TOS) for the Librarian Licensure Examination. The goal was to promote more innovative teaching practices and improved academic delivery. Participants included LIS educators from several institutions in the region, such as Notre Dame of Dadiangas University, NDMU, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College–General Santos City, Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College–Koronadal City, Southern Christian College–Midsayap, Cronasia College–General Santos City, Southern Baptist College–M’lang, and the host institution, University of Southern Mindanao.

Dr. Anita C. Sornito, Program Head of USM’s BLIS program, spearheaded the initiative and facilitated a review of the Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Orders (CMOs), the TOS, and existing curricula to address challenges in aligning academic programs with licensure requirements. Adding significance to the event was a keynote message from Hon. Lourdes T. David, a member of the Board for Librarians, which set an engaging tone and became a noteworthy highlight of the seminar.

Mrs. Tidula and Mrs. Villanueva affirmed that attending this kind of activity is a valuable opportunity to foster collaboration among BLIS institutions and enhance the NDMU BLIS program. Equipped with new insights and innovative strategies, these NDMU representatives are empowered to help shape a more relevant, forward-thinking, and nationally competitive curriculum—one that not only prepares students for the licensure examination but also equips them for dynamic careers in the evolving field of library and information science.