Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) kick-started the distribution of stipends for qualified student applicants as part of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Tulong Dunong Program. The distribution is currently happening at the Sentro Baler, Baler Aurora. It will be a two-day event, October 13-14. Congressman Rommel Rico T. Angara, Baler Mayor Rhett T. Angara, College President Eutiquio L. Rotaquio Jr., Ph.D., and other officials graced the event.

The CHED Tulong Dunong Program offers financial aid to qualified college students. The program ensures that the students can pursue their academic dreams. The program aims to alleviate the financial burden that some students face when trying to pursue higher education.

Student applicants must meet the criteria:
(1) Must be a Filipino citizen of good moral character;
(2) Must be a high school graduate or a candidate for graduation from high school;
(3) Must not be more than 30 years of age at the time of application except for CHED-OPAPP-SGPRR;
(4) Combined annual gross income of parents/guardian not to exceed three hundred thousand pesos (300,000 PHP); and
(5) Has not to avail of any government scholarships and, or grant.

In addition, student applicants must accomplish the documentary requirements needed. These include the application form, report cards, annual income tax return/certificate of tax exemption of parents/guardians from the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and other supporting documents.

Eight hundred eighty-eight ASCOT students received the scholarship for the first day. Each student received 7,500 PHP per semester. The increase in the number of grantees was made possible by the lobbying of Senator Sonny Angara and Congressman Rommel Angara.

Health protocols observed.