FEATURE: Built from the Heart of an Intern: MPSU student transforms Bontoc Library with homegrown Digital System

Bontoc, Mt. Province – A student intern in Mt. Province has transformed a simple internship requirement into a functional innovation that now enhances the operations of the Bontoc Municipal Library.

Aladin Ekid, a student of Mt. Province State University (MPSU), developed a digital log-in system designed to replace the manual logbook for walk-in users. The innovation allows the library to automatically record, store, and generate visitors’ data.

The system was not built overnight. In an interview with the media, Ekid shared that he first needed to understand the library’s actual needs before developing the platform. He said the idea came after their supervisor asked whether he could create a system for library visitors.

From there, he began identifying the required data and system specifications before building the database and website.

“Tinanong ng supervisor namin kung kaya ko gumawa ng system para sa mga walk-in library users. Sa process ko, tinanong ko kung ano ‘yung mga data at requirements na kailangan. Kaya gumawa ako ng database at data requirements, then next I created a website kung saan magla-log in ang users,” Ekid shared.

By carefully studying the workflow, Ekid was able to design a system where visitor information is digitally encoded and stored in an organized database, making report generation easier and more efficient for the office.

For the young innovator, the true reward lies in seeing the system being used and knowing that it serves a real purpose beyond academic compliance.

“Happy ako kasi may gumagamit ng log-in system na nagawa ko. Proud ako kasi marami palang gamit ang system, marami ang makikinabang, at mas madali ang data gathering ng office,” Ekid expressed.

In a separate interview, Municipal Librarian Chamreine Chakas said Ekid’s innovation has significantly improved their efficiency, particularly in tracking visitor numbers and preparing reports.

“Daytoy innovation ni Mr. Ekid ket it has made our work more efficient. We can now track visitor numbers more accurately, and we can generate reports more quickly by month and year—nalaklaka en nga aggenerate ti reports. This helps us plan programs better and justify our budget proposals in the near future,” Chakas relayed.

Beyond administrative improvements, Chakas also noted the unexpected excitement among young visitors who are eager to use the digital log-in feature. She said this demonstrates how technology can enhance even simple library visits.

“Dagitoy ubbing, atat da nga umay just to experience logging in using the computer,” the librarian added.

According to the Philippine Information Agency–Cordillera, Ekid plans to further enhance the system to eventually make book access easier for users, expanding its function beyond visitor monitoring.