Mr. Abelardo S. Omoso
A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, so they say. But for the Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman University Library’s Book Accessioner, only one life is worth living: a life in Christ. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for Christ’s sake will find it. “That is the truth that sets us free,” Mr. Abelardo S. Omoso said.
Mr. Omoso earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at Silliman University and taught at the High School Department for 15 years. He handled History and Economics subjects before moving to the University Library as its Book Accessioner in the Cataloging Section. This year marks his 27th year of service in Silliman.
Now that technology has shifted and is shifting fast, Mr. Omoso is aware that students have been more inclined to read online materials rather than tangible books.
“In as far as the library is concerned, we have adopted to the changing needs of time, in terms of reading materials. We have the Cyber Library and e-books for digital reading. But we have also preserved the printed ones. It is also notable, from what I have observed, that the most diligent, intellectual, and bright ones in the University use the printed materials more than the online ones,” he shared.
Mr. Omoso planned to take up Master of Arts in Education. But by the time he transferred to the Library, it seemed like God had other plans for him. In 2006, he decided to enroll in Bible School and graduated in 2008.
“The work in the library is actually different [from my previous teaching work]. Here, we are within a certain place, unlike in the classroom where you have to move around. But I have learned that we can be most fruitful in wherever God places us,” he added.
Mr. Omoso has been organizing weekly prayer meetings among student assistants in the library for many years now. “I am thankful that these students say that they have been blessed and these prayer meetings have planted the seed of faith in them,” he said.
Describe yourself in three words.
Low-profile. Silent-type. Steadfast.
What is your motto in life?
Sharing God’s work of salvation to others.
What makes you cry?
When family members or friends stray from the path of God. That is always painful.
What’s your favorite time of the day and why?
8 to 9 pm. That’s my evening devotion time.
What’s your favorite day of the week and why?
Saturday. No office work, and my whole day is spent on Evangelism.
What is your favorite hangout place in the University?
The library, especially in the Christian Collection Books Section. During my leisure time, I immerse myself in Christian Literature.
What’s your favorite game growing up?
Chess.
What one thing would people be interested to know about you?
My inclination to music. I play the guitar and sing. I used to play contemporary music a lot, but now, I mostly play praise and worship songs.
What song best describes the YOU and the life you have now?
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
What’s your idea of a family?
A group of individuals clothed under God’s divine love, helping and nurturing each other, and working for each other’s benefit, for the glory of God.
At this point of your life, what for you is your life’s mission?
To be a salt and light to the world.
