Update:

As a librarian, master's student, and employee of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), I have encountered this inspiring vision statement:

"Philippine higher education system that is equitable and producing locally responsive, innovative, and globally competitive graduates and lifelong learners." (Commission on Higher Education)

This vision is further supported by CHED's mandate, which commits to:

Promoting relevant and quality higher education, aligned with international standards.
Ensuring equitable access for all, particularly those who cannot afford it.
Protecting academic freedom, supporting growth in learning, leadership, and cultural heritage.
Institutionalizing transparency and accountability to uphold moral ascendancy and participatory governance. (Commission on Higher Education, CHEDRO 3)

Substance and Implications:

The vision is commendable; it correctly highlights lifelong learning, creativity, equity, and local relevance. As a librarian, I genuinely believe that university libraries and knowledge services can play a crucial role in advancing these social objectives. However, it is still difficult to turn such principles into effective practice.

Resources Available: Libraries are frequently disregarded in frameworks for policies. We can support underserved students, encourage research, and develop information literacy, but we need to better incorporate them into strategic planning.
Inclusive Lifelong Learning: For lifelong learning to be meaningful, academic libraries across regions must be properly funded and supported, particularly in under-resourced HEIs.

CHED's vision and mandate lay a solid foundation, but for real impact, libraries and librarians must be woven into the educational fabric—not just as support, but as partners in achieving these social objectives