September 10, 2024 – The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) alumni were at the heart of a meaningful milestone as they received their first payout from the Cash for Work Program (CWP), a collaboration between ASCOT and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The event, held at the ASCOT Gymnasium in Zabali Campus, was a celebration of opportunities for recent graduates stepping into the professional world.
 
The Cash for Work Program provides financial support to ASCOT graduates while offering them real-world work experience. Participants are distributed across various offices in the province, including assignments within the college and local government offices, allowing them to apply their skills in practical settings. This initiative serves as a bridge between academic life and the professional world, easing the financial pressures of job-hunting and equipping graduates with valuable skills.
 
Dr. Alma S. Bayudan, Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Scholarship Coordinator at ASCOT, warmly addressed the CWP, sharing, “This program is more than financial assistance. It’s your stepping stone into the workforce, giving you hands-on experience while bringing you closer to achieving your dreams.”
 
The first batch included 67 ASCOTians—48 fresh graduates and 19 currently enrolled—who were all grateful for this opportunity. With 10 million pesos allocated by the DSWD to support the program, it’s clear that this initiative is designed to have a long-lasting impact on these young professionals.
 
Speaking on behalf of the DSWD, Ms. Rio G. Simbulan expressed her appreciation for ASCOT’s proactive role in the program. “Sa DSWD, lahat ng buhay ay mahalaga,” she said, emphasizing the program’s goal of helping these alumni make a successful transition into the workforce.
 
For these ASCOT alumni, the Cash for Work Program is not just a temporary job—it’s a launchpad for their careers, offering them both financial support and the practical experience needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
 
Written by Arnold Monteverde