March 21, 2025 – Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) President Dr. Renato G. Reyes, along with officials, paid a courtesy visit to CHED Commissioner Desiderio Apag III, the newly appointed Chairperson of the ASCOT Board of Trustees (BOT), at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Office in Diliman, Quezon City.

Before the BOT meeting commenced, ASCOT’s Information Officer III, Diana Rose P. de Mesa-Amazona had the opportunity to conduct a quick interview with Commissioner Apag III, gathering his first impressions of ASCOT, key priorities, and vision for its future.

When asked about his initial thoughts on ASCOT, Commissioner Apag III highlighted the college’s strategic location and its strong foundation in agriculture, marine-related programs, and tourism.

“This is a state college situated in a unique area with great potential,” he shared. “I see ASCOT as a growing institution that is making strides, especially with its ambition to transition into a university soon.”

He also recognized ASCOT’s appeal to foreign visitors, seeing its potential to enhance global engagement through academic and research collaborations.

As the newly designated Chairperson, Commissioner Apag III emphasized the importance of understanding ASCOT’s current standing and strategic direction.

“My first priority is to sit down with the leadership and assess ASCOT’s progress in achieving its strategic goals,” he stated. “I want to ensure that the college is making concrete steps toward its ambitions, especially in delivering quality education and producing globally competitive graduates.”

He sees ASCOT as a key player in holistic education—an institution that nurtures well-rounded professionals equipped with practical skills, technological expertise, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

“Our goal is to ensure that when students enter ASCOT, they receive a holistic education. Whether they pursue careers in agriculture, technology, business, or other fields, they should graduate as competent professionals ready to contribute to society.”

A strong advocate of technological innovation, he also encouraged students to embrace smart technologies as a means to stay competitive in the ever-evolving job market.

Commissioner Apag III assured the ASCOT community that he is ready to listen and support their needs.

“I understand that students, faculty, and staff each have their own aspirations and challenges,” he said. “As Chairperson of the Board, I am committed to helping create a more conducive learning and working environment for everyone.”

A Visit to Baler Soon
To further immerse himself in ASCOT’s academic and research environment, Commissioner Apag III is set to visit Baler soon. This visit will allow him to see ASCOT’s campuses firsthand, engage with stakeholders, and gain deeper insights into its programs and infrastructure. He also intends to take a look at or hear the report at the annual report for 2024 to gain deeper insights into the institution’s achievements, challenges, and future plans.

With ASCOT’s continuous push for growth, innovation, and excellence, this collaboration with Commissioner Apag III marks a significant step toward shaping a future-ready institution.