Kaban ng Hiyas

What treasures does the Kaban ng Hiyas hold? It’s not gold or jewels, but something far more precious: knowledge and heritage. The Kaban ng Hiyas isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant hub of learning and culture, nestled within the Mandaluyong City Hall complex. This isn’t your typical library. The Kaban ng Hiyas is the first Congressional District Library in the Philippines, a testament to the vision of Senator Neptali A. Gonzales. Opened in 1997, the Kaban ng Hiyas building itself has a rich history, inaugurated back in 1992. The building houses not only the library, but also a museum showcasing Gonzales’ memorabilia and the city hall’s cultural department. Imagine ascending to the second floor, where the Kaban ng Hiyas library awaits. The library began with a modest collection of 5,025 books, a gift from the National Library of the Philippines and donations facilitated by Senator Gonzales. Today, the Kaban ng Hiyas boasts nearly double that number, with over 9,000 volumes gracing its shelves. Initially, the library saw around 31 visitors a day. Now, it welcomes over 300 eager learners daily. The Kaban ng Hiyas offers a diverse range of resources. From the Filipiniana section, brimming with local literature and historical documents, to the Children’s Section, designed to spark young minds with educational toys and engaging activities. The Reference Section provides encyclopedias and dictionaries, while the Serials Section boasts current newspapers and magazines. In 2005, the Kaban ng Hiyas embraced the digital age, opening an Internet Section, later upgraded with modern computers. This commitment to technology ensures access to information for all. The Kaban ng Hiyas Congressional Library is more than just a repository of books. It’s a living testament to the power of knowledge, a beacon of learning in the heart of Mandaluyong City. It’s a place where history whispers from the pages of aged texts, and the future unfolds with every click of a mouse.