USM Welcomes PE Professor from Japan
December 1, 2025
Prof. Susan S. Martinez, Director of the Kundo E. Pahm Resource Learning Center of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), was elected as the Vice Chairperson of the House of Delegates (HOD) Officers for 2026–2027 of Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) during the PLAI Congress 2025 and General Assembly held on November 23–26, 2025, at the SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City.
Her election places USM in a stronger position within national professional circles, as she now takes part in shaping discussions and decisions that influence the direction of library work in the country. With her role in the HOD, USM gains a direct voice in national policy talks and programs that affect academic libraries, professional development, and collaboration among institutions.
As Vice Chairperson, Prof. Martinez assists the Chairperson in overseeing the deliberation, coordination, and implementation of the House’s policies, resolutions, and programs. She also presides over meetings and official functions whenever the Chairperson is unavailable. The role requires steady leadership, smooth facilitation of committee activities, and the ability to encourage cooperation among delegates from different regions, responsibilities that highlight her experience as USM’s library director.
The HOD serves as the Association’s deliberative and policy-making body. It is composed of the Council President, Council Vice-President, and a third representative chosen by each regional council’s Board. It passes resolutions and elects the members of the National Board of Trustees during the General Convention. While HOD officers do not serve on the National Board during their term, the HOD Chairperson sits in the Board without voting rights.
Prof. Martinez’s election shows her leadership in the field. It also opens more opportunities for USM to broaden its linkages, share best practices, and take part in national discussions that help improve library services across the country.
