April 19, 2024 – The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), together with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Aurora Provincial Office, the Provincial Government of Aurora, and the Pederasyon ng Kababaihan sa Casiguran Incorporated (PCKI), formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement focuses on temporarily housing rice cookie production equipment at ASCOT Casiguran, aiming to empower the women of Casiguran through an income-generating program.

Vice Governor Jennifer A. Araña highlighted the program’s significance, stating, “This initiative is geared towards the women of Casiguran. With our existing MOA with ASCOT, we will engage student participation. The primary objective of this program is job creation and livelihood.” She further noted, “The equipment costs over a million pesos, made possible through the efforts of DOST Provincial Director Maricel Sicat, who facilitated our connection to the DOST Regional Office. Ang pinakang target natin this year is to be able to market rice cookies. It will be a good start for the women and students.”

Likewise, Director Maricel M. Sicat expressed gratitude to ASCOT for providing shelter for the equipment, stating, “I want to express my gratitude to ASCOT for accommodating our request to house our equipment temporarily for the women’s emergency food reserve. This is a wonderful program for Aurora, especially considering our vulnerability to typhoons. It will aid our DSWD in providing not just noodles but also healthy food options.This is also a Community Empowerment through Science and Technology funded by Senator Joel Villanueva.” She emphasized.

The signing ceremony was attended by ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes, Vice Governor Jennifer A. Araña, DOST Aurora Provincial Director Maricel M. Sicat, and Marsha F. Aguilar, President of the Casiguran Women’s Federation. Dr. Oscar C. Barawid, Jr., Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance; Dr. Ma. Luz F. Cabatan, Vice President for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Gerardo Rillon, Chief Administrative Officer, were also present to witness the occasion.