April 17, 2024- The Aurora State College of Technology Extension and Rural Development and Office of Research and Development spearheaded a workshop on training needs assessment tools for research and extension curricular programs of different schools. Representatives from various ASCOT schools attended the workshop, which focused on refining the training needs assessment tools essential for shaping research and extension curricular programs.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Engr. Alking Gorospe, PhD, Director of the Office of Research and Development. Engr. Oscar C. Barawid, Jr., PhD, Vice President for Administration, Planning, and Finance, shared messages highlighting the significance of research and extension initiatives in academic settings.
ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes delivered his inspirational message, emphasizing the strong connection between research and extension. “Ang research and extension ay laging magkasama, bago tayo mag-extend sa community kailangan meron tayong strong research program. Kapag meron tayong strong research program, ibig sabihin nito ay meron tayong mga experts na gumagawa ng makabuluhang research na kailangan ng industry at community.” President Reyes said. He also gave importance to the conduct of training needs assessments before going out to the community. “Training needs assessment is very important before we enter and transform the community. Alamin muna natin, ito ba talaga ang kailangan nila? When we go out to the community, ipe-present sa kanila ang mga technologies ng ASCOT, at mula doon mamimili yung tao ng naaayon sa kanilang pangangailangan,” he added.
Dr. Gorospe presented the proposed research and extension agenda. Followed by a discussion of the intricacies of training needs assessment by Dr. Ricardo G. Gonzales, Jr., Director for Extension and Rural Development. During the afternoon session, Mr. Charles R. Velasco, Science Research Assistant, guided participants through the presentation of the Training Needs Assessment (TNA) tailored to individual schools. Additionally, the session featured an insightful exploration of Community Needs Assessment (CNA) specific to research and extension activities.