In the 79th episode of ASCOT ‘To Todo titled VP-uso: “Kwentuhang Pamamahala, Plano at Pondo,” ASCOT Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance, Engr. Oscar C. Barawid, Jr., PhD, joined the hosts for an insightful discussion.

The program kicked off with the hosts providing a rundown of recent ASCOT activities and events. Highlights included honoring ASCOT athletes who participated in the recent SCUAA RIII Olympics, and the ASCOT Meet and Greet Gala themed “ASCOT to the World, ASCOT In the World, ASCOT for the World.” This gala was attended not only by ASCOT employees but also by leaders from national agencies, former ASCOT presidents, leaders from various SUCs in the region, foreign dignitaries, and stakeholders. Additionally, ASCOT received recognition from CHED RO III for its commendable contribution to providing quality tertiary education to Indigenous People (IP) in the Province of Aurora.

In the second part of the program, VP Barawid shared his career journey at ASCOT, starting as an instructor, progressing to a full-fledged professor, and now serving as the Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance. Dr. Barawid elaborated on his key responsibilities in his current role. In Administration, he manages people; in Planning, he oversees infrastructure projects and program implementation; and in Finance, he ensures proper fund allocation and seeks additional funding when necessary. He mentioned that his love for ASCOT inspired him to accept his designation.

Dr. Barawid described a typical day in his office and answered questions about the most challenging and his favorite aspects of his role. He finds Administration the most challenging due to the diverse and unique nature of ASCOT’s human resources, making the implementation of rules and regulations quite complex. However, his favorite part is Planning.

Looking forward, VP Barawid unveiled exciting plans to further enchance ASCOT’s infrastructure, envisioning additional classrooms, cutting-edge smart classrooms, upgraded dormitories, and state-of-the-art laboratories, all aimed at catering to the evolving needs of our students. Additionally, he emphasized the ongoing dedication to initiatives such as the Health and Wellness program for our staff, underscoring its vital role in nurturing their overall well-being. These endeavors, as VP Barawid highlighted are all aligned with the vision and plans of ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes.

When asked about his management style, VP Barawid stated that he employs a consultative approach, advocating for open discussions to resolve issues promptly to prevent them from escalating. “Kung may problema pagusapan natin agad at bigyan ito ng solusyon upang hindi na lumaki pa” he said. He often reminds his administrative team that “wala tayo dito kung wala ang mga estudiyante.”

As the program concluded, VP Barawid shared an inspiring leadership quote, “Leadership is about uplifting and inspiring people, not tearing them down or making them feel less than themselves. It’s about making them believe the impossible is possible.”

If you missed the live program, don’t worry! You can catch up on ASCOT’s official Facebook page.
Remember, ASCOT ‘To! airs every other Thursday, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. on 92.1RTV Baler.
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