As a part of the extension program of ASCOT Department of Graduate Studies, MS Environmental Management students donated educational books to the students of Villa Aurora National High School in Maria Aurora, Aurora last March 15, 2013.

The outreach entitled “A Tree for a Book” aims to give books to schools in exchange to planting tree seedlings. It was the first time that the Department held the outreach program and they plan to help more schools which are in need of educational assistance.

The department initiated the project which was made possible through TREK (Trails to Empower Kids), a group of outdoor enthusiasts who also volunteers for one cause which to deliver aid where it is needed the most.

More or less a hundred boxes of books including English manuals were given to the school from Diwa Foundation, Department of Education, US Embassy and others individuals which were all gathered by TREK.

Mr. Homer Hernandez, VANHS principal, was exceptionally grateful for the donations as he assured that it will be very helpful for the students of the school. In return for the books, the students planted 100 Narra seedlings on their school ground.

Also present in the outreach program were VP for Academic Affairs Eriberto C. Rivera, Dr. Ma. Luz Cabatan from the Dept. of Graduate Studies, Barangay officials from Villa Aurora and TREK volunteers. -(KTOlivar)