September 25, 2024 – The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) Board of Trustees has officially approved the establishment of the Aurora Studies Center (ASC), a pioneering research hub aimed at preserving and promoting Aurora’s rich cultural heritage. The center will integrate arts, history, culture, science, and technology—honoring the past while fostering innovation for the future.

 

ASCOT President, Dr. Renato G. Reyes, shared his enthusiasm for the project: “It’s an exciting time for ASCOT and the people of Aurora. The Aurora Studies Center is more than just a building; it’s a celebration of who we are, where we came from, and where we’re going.”

Under the management of the School of Arts and Sciences, the Center will serve as the school’s primary research arm, focusing on the documentation and preservation of Aurora’s cultural artifacts, traditions, and history. It will feature specialized facilities such as a Cultural Mapping Laboratory, a Laboratory of Living Traditions, and a museum to showcase and protect important cultural items.

 

The Center will also offer a variety of programs including cultural mapping initiatives, courses on heritage and traditional practices, interdisciplinary research on arts and technology, and cultural exchange programs. TO be located at Ermita Hill, this project is part of ASCOT’s broader vision to transform the area into a destination known for its educational, historical, and ecological significance.

 

Through this initiative, ASCOT is not only safeguarding Aurora’s identity but also contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4 – Quality Education) by promoting education and increasing awareness of the province’s rich cultural heritage.