A passionate advocate for Women’s Empowerment and the promotion of Filipino heritage, Dr. Reysa Alenzuela is a renowned scholar whose influence stretches far beyond the Philippines. She tirelessly champions women as leaders and elevates Filipino culture on the global stage. Discover her inspiring journey.

Written & Published for Pinoy Care Cz

Kirsty Zachoval

Prague – Filipinos excelling in research and academia are rare, but when they do, they go above and beyond. Globally, we are often recognized as OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), primarily in blue-collar jobs, a role that is equally honorable and worth celebrating. However, there remains a gap in representation within the scholastic field. That’s why Episode 2 of our podcast is truly special.

March is International Women’s Month, and this year’s theme is “Take Action.” Dr. Reysa Alenzuela is a powerful example of a woman doing just that. As the Head Librarian of the Oriental Institute Library at the Czech Academy of Sciences, she has earned recognition for her outstanding work and has become a source of inspiration, particularly for women in academia.

In a recent interview with Pinoy Care Talks, Dr. Alenzuela shared her journey from Iloilo City to earning prestigious accolades, including the 2023 Global Librarian Award from the Philippine Librarians Association and the 2024 Citation Award from the Association of Special Libraries of the Philippines.

HER Childhood Rooted in Love and Learning

Growing up, Dr. Reysa was raised in a close-knit family. With a seafarer father and a hardworking mother who managed small businesses, she experienced a blend of stability and sacrifice. “My father worked offshore for years, so he was often away, but I never saw his absence negatively,” she recalled. Instead, she viewed it as an opportunity to learn about the world through the souvenirs and stories he brought home from his travels.

Her father’s influence sparked her curiosity for geography and cultures. “I remember him showing me maps, encyclopedias, and gifts from Italy, Japan, and Australia. That’s probably where my passion for travel and learning began,” she said.

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HER Support System Playing a huge role to HER Academic Excellence

Unlike the common narrative of being a breadwinner, Dr. Reysa described herself as the recipient of her family’s sacrifices. “I wasn’t forced to work early. My parents made sure education was my priority,” she shared.

This privilege, however, came with the expectation of discipline and excellence. Her mother, a strict disciplinarian, always reminded her, ‘We are not rich. The only thing I can give you is education.’ This mindset propelled her to excel in school.

Growing up, Dr. Reysa Alenzuela aspired to become a doctor or lawyer. She wanted to pursue a college degree that required a licensure examination, which led her to enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education at the University of San Agustin – Iloilo. Later, she pursued a degree in Library Science, which was not yet a standalone course at the time. As a result, she graduated with a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in English and Library Science.

After passing the licensure exam for secondary education, she pursued a degree in Law. However, at a young age, she was offered the opportunity to become the director of libraries at one of the largest universities in Iloilo. Seizing the moment, she shifted her focus and pursued a Master’s degree in Information Science.

Soon after, she pursued a Doctor of Philosophy to deepen her understanding of management, a skill she now applies in her current role. She later embarked on another PhD in South Korea, which opened doors to various international projects.

On Strengthening the Philippine Educational System for Global Competitiveness

When asked whether her education in the Philippines paved the way for her international career, she responded, “Yes and no.”

Yes, because her educational background provided her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. She emphasized that in the Philippines, education goes beyond textbooks, incorporating real-world applications and the use of “heart”.

No, because the educational system in the Philippines is not always internationally accredited, and its merits are often ranked lower. As a result, foreign employers tend to focus more on an applicant’s competencies rather than their academic credentials.

Breaking Stereotypes in Librarianship

One of the key points Dr. Reysa highlighted was the common misconception about her work. “Many think I’m just a typical librarian stamping books all day,” she said with a laugh. “But there’s so much more to it.” Beyond managing a team of researchers and scholars, she ensures access to reliable information, oversees research initiatives, and actively advocates for knowledge accessibility.

As Head Librarian, she spearheads programs that advance research on Philippine culture and promote it globally. To create a platform showcasing the Philippines, she established the Filipiniana section, ensuring greater recognition for Filipino heritage. She also aims to deepen her knowledge of AI and leverage technology and information to combat fake news.

As a woman of color, she is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion, inspiring both her peers and fellow Filipinas striving to make a difference.

This year’s International Women’s Month theme, Take Action, perfectly reflects her relentless pursuit of knowledge and commitment to meaningful change.

We have even more in store for her. Watch Ep. 2 Podcast on Pinoy Care CZ Official FB Page.

Link: https://fb.watch/yrWFB2Xpmv/

Photo credits: Dr. Reysa Alenzuela’s FB Page, courtesy of Jayvee Marasigan and Andy Peñaflor