Navigating the Transition from Access to Competence: Practices and Barriers in Philippine Media and Information Literacy Programs

Riza P. Namoro; Mary Grace A. Bautista; Jeremiah B. Garcia; Shiela May B. Golloso; Belen N. Villaluz; Myla Bermat

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.86700

Navigating the Transition from Access to Competence: Practices and Barriers in Philippine Media and Information Literacy Programs

Author(s)	Riza P. Namoro, Mary Grace A. Bautista, Jeremiah B. Garcia, Shiela May B. Golloso, Belen N. Villaluz, Dr. Myla Bermat
Country	Philippines
Abstract	This study examined the implementation, barriers, and perceived effectiveness of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) programs in selected public and academic libraries in the Philippines, focusing on the transition from information access to user competence. Despite increasing recognition of MIL as an essential competency in digital environments, limited empirical evidence exists regarding its implementation within Philippine libraries. Using an exploratory descriptive mixed-methods design, the study collected quantitative and qualitative data from 40 librarians, library staff, and library users through a structured questionnaire and an open-ended survey. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Findings showed that library orientations, workshops and training sessions, and digital learning activities were the most common MIL initiatives. However, implementation was constrained by limited resources, uneven participation, limited integration of emerging digital issues such as misinformation and artificial intelligence, and insufficient time and manpower. Participants generally reported moderate levels of competence across Media and Information Literacy domains, with relatively higher scores in information evaluation and critical thinking than in foundational information skills. Qualitative findings emphasized the need for interactive instructional strategies, continuous librarian capacity-building, stronger institutional support, and the inclusion of contemporary digital issues in MIL instruction. The findings suggest that while library-based MIL programs contribute to developing user competencies, strengthening instructional approaches and institutional support is essential to advance higher-order digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
Keywords	Media and Information Literacy, library practices, user competence, Philippine libraries, Access–Competence Gap
Field	Sociology > Education
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-13
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.86700

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Navigating the Transition from Access to Competence: Practices and Barriers in Philippine Media and Information Literacy Programs

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