The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) is always on the lookout for fresh ideas and better ways to improve. Led by Engr. Oscar C. Barawid, Jr., PhD, Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance, and Dr. Alking Gorospe, Dean of the School of Engineering, a group from ASCOT recently embarked on a two-day benchmarking journey from September 5-6, 2024. Their mission? To discover the best practices in engineering and beyond at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and Bataan Peninsula State University (BPSU).
Day 1: Learning from PUP
September 5, 2024- The trip kicked off at PUP, where ASCOT’s team took a deep dive into the university’s engineering programs, particularly Mechanical, Electrical, and Civil Engineering. It was all about exchanging ideas, and PUP had plenty to share.
A standout moment was learning how PUP takes student research beyond the classroom, turning innovative projects into meaningful community work. Imagine student research that not only gets top marks but also makes a real difference in people’s lives—that’s what PUP is doing! The team also discussed how PUP ensures quality in their programs through strict quality assurance measures, helping them meet SUC accreditation requirements.
Day 2: Discovering Innovations at BPSU
September 6, 2024- The next day, brought the team to BPSU, where they were introduced to some groundbreaking projects. BPSU’s focus on sustainability through solar energy and their forward-thinking use of 3D printing in engineering courses left a lasting impression on ASCOT’s team. It’s amazing to see how technology is being woven into education to create hands-on learning experiences for students.
BPSU also shared their success with the Land Use Development and Infrastructure Plan (LUDIP), and the group explored innovative ways the university is boosting their library services and running successful Income Generating Projects (IGPs).
Beyond Engineering: A Team Effort
This wasn’t a solo mission. Engr. Barawid and Dr. Gorospe were joined by a passionate team, including Kristine F. Galam, Head of Quality Assurance; Maria Cezil Molina, Head of Planning Unit; and Mardelyn Barrogo, College Librarian III and Head of IGP. They dove into these universities’ best practices, eager to bring back new ideas to ASCOT.
This benchmarking trip wasn’t just about comparing notes; it was about building connections, learning from the best, and figuring out how to push ASCOT’s own engineering programs, library services, and IGPs to the next level.
Looking Forward
As ASCOT continues to grow, trips like this are key to ensuring the college stays ahead of the curve, offering students not just an education, but an experience that prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow.