ASCOT and the Provincial Government of Aurora signed a memorandum of understanding that will pave the way for the development of the Ermita Hill. The MOU formalizes the turnover of the management of Ermita Hill to Aurora State College of Technology. Ermita Hill is part of the 196.6 hectares declared as the ASCOT School Site Civil Reservation endorsed by the Republic Act No. 7664 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 559.

ASCOT President, Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes and Aurora Governor, Hon. Gerardo A. Noveras signed the memorandum of understanding as witnessed by the Hon. Bella Angara Castillo, Representative of the Province of Aurora last March 3, 2017 in front of the ASCOT Officials, members of the ASCOT Faculty and Staff, Unit Head of the different offices of the Provincial Capitol, LGUs and other stakeholders.

In his message, Gov. Gerardo A. Noveras shared how the provincial government decided to turnover the management of Ermita Hill to ASCOT because of the encouraging programs and future projects of the College for the hill and mentioned that the formal turnover doesn’t mean that they will no longer support the management of the Ermita Hill instead the provincial government of Aurora will be supporting the College in every step on attaining its development goal for the Ermita Hill.

Meanwhile, Cong. Bella Angara Castillo who signed the agreement as a witness said that her office is very much willing to offer support for the success of this venture most specially that its main goal is for the scholarship of poor but deserving students.

In response, Dr. Nantes on her words of commitment stated the various objectives of the project, one of which is the involvement of its Income Generating Project Unit that will be directly involve in the Ermita Hill Development Project which main goal is to support the establishment of a scholarship program for qualified and interested students of the Province. Another objective is the development of the hill as part of the College’s educational facilities to improve instruction in the fields of Forestry, Tourism and HRM, Business Management and Environmental Sciences and will serve as a field laboratory in undertaking research and extension activities. ASCOT is also aiming to partner with Aurora’s local government units towards achieving sustainable economic development while promoting an agenda that will showcase Aurora’s good values, culture and tradition.

In addition, Dr. Oscar C. Barawid, Jr., VP for Planning and Finance presented the plan and future projects which includes the restoration, renovation and improvement of the Amphitheatre, Visitor’s Center and Hostel, Function Hall, and establishment of the Station of the Cross and View Deck, Restaurant and Café, Eco-Trail and Butterfly garden.