Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) participated in the 40th General Assembly and Seminar-Workshop of the SOCCSKSARGEN Librarians Association, Inc. (SOCOLA) held on July 15–16, 2026, at Sheila's Park, Upper Balmores Street, Koronadal City. Guided by the theme, “SOCOLA @ 40: Strategic, Mindful, Adaptive, Resilient, and Transformative (SMART) Librarians,” the activity brought together library and information professionals across the region to strengthen professional competencies, foster collaboration, and address emerging developments in the field of librarianship.

The 40th General Assembly and Seminar-Workshop marked a significant milestone in SOCOLA's four decades of service to the library profession in the SOCCSKSARGEN Region. The gathering served as a venue for professional development, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, enabling participants to examine current trends, emerging technologies, and best practices that support responsive, ethical, and learner-centered library services in an increasingly digital environment.

The seminar featured three distinguished resource speakers who facilitated discussions on contemporary issues in librarianship. Daryl Justin P. Umadhay, RL, LPT, MAED-English, MLIS (CAR) presented the session on Information Literacy and Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Libraries, emphasizing ethical AI integration, digital literacy, and critical evaluation of information. Jovencio C. Lumaad, RGC, MAED-Guidance and Counseling, MIP-Clinical Psychology discussed Stress Management for Library and Information Professionals, providing practical strategies for resilience, emotional well-being, and maintaining professional effectiveness. Meanwhile, Mark Louie C. Parcasio, LPT, MIE delivered the session Bringing Libraries to Life: Creative and Engaging Library Activities, showcasing innovative approaches to creating interactive library programs that promote reading, collaboration, and active learner engagement.

Representing Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. (HCCCI) were Catherine J. Alacayan, RL, Basic Education Librarian, and Rosecil S. Bayot, RL, MLIS, Head Librarian. Both actively participated in the seminar-workshop, gaining valuable insights into strategic librarianship, the responsible use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, stress management, and innovative library programs and services.

During the General Assembly, Rosecil S. Bayot, RL, MLIS was elected as a Member of the Board of Directors of the SOCSKSARGEN Librarians Association, Inc. (SOCoLA). She also received a Certificate of Recognition for her outstanding academic achievement in successfully completing her Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. The recognition highlights her dedication to lifelong learning, professional growth, and service to the library profession.

The institution's participation in the 40th General Assembly and Seminar-Workshop reinforces its commitment to continuously enhancing library services through professional development and lifelong learning. The knowledge and competencies gained from the activity are expected to contribute to strengthened information literacy initiatives, responsible integration of emerging technologies, innovative library programs, and improved library services that support the academic and research needs of the institution.

The activity supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by strengthening the professional capabilities of library personnel and promoting quality learning support services. It also advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through discussions on mental wellness and resilience among education professionals, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by fostering collaboration and professional networking among library and educational institutions across the SOCCSKSARGEN Region.

Through this event, Holy Child Central Colleges, Inc. aims to apply the insights gained from the seminar by further enhancing information literacy programs, promoting the responsible use of artificial intelligence in library services, and developing more engaging and learner-centered library activities. The institution will also continue to invest in the professional development of its library personnel and strengthen collaborative initiatives with regional and professional library organizations. These efforts are expected to contribute to more responsive, innovative, and sustainable library services that support academic excellence, lifelong learning, and the evolving information needs of students, educators, and the wider community.