December 22, 2024 — The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) and the Department of Science and Technology Regional Office III (DOST RIII) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to launch a solar-powered food processing project in Aurora, with ?4,711,200 in funding from DOST RIII’s 2024 Community Empowerment through Science and Technology Program.The project, Maximizing the Use of Solar Energy in Food Processing Initiatives in Aurora such as drying process of fruits, fish products and rootcrop harvests as well as providing an evidence-based research, ensuring the dissemination of best practices to promote knowledgesharing and exchange among project participants, stakeholders, and the wider agricultural community. It also aims to support residents in Sitio Bulos, Barangay Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, whose livelihoods were impacted by Super Typhoon Pepito. Using solar power, the initiative will create sustainable food processing solutions to boost the local economy.
The MOA was signed by ASCOT President Dr. Renato G. Reyes and DOST RIII Regional Director Dr. Julius Caesar V. Sicat, CESO. Also present at the signing were DOST Aurora Provincial Director Maricel V. Sicat and ASCOT officials, including Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan, Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance Engr. Oscar C. Barawid Jr., PhD, and Accounting Unit Head Lorieflor Aragon, CPA; and Engr. Alking C. Gorospe, PhD, Head of Research and Development .
This partnership is part of ASCOT’s broader extension program, ASCOT Shelter, focused on sustainable community recovery and growth.