The three ASCOT Campuses namely: Zabali Campus in Baler, Aurora; Bazal Campus in Maria Aurora, Aurora; and Casiguran Campus in Casiguran, Aurora, will soon brighten up with the Installation of Stand-Alone Solar-Powered LED Street Lighting System. An LED street light is an integrated light that uses light emitting diodes (LED) as its light source. It is said to be very effective as it is designed to improve roadway safety, reduces light pollution, and at the same time reduces energy operating costs. The said project with an original Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of ?5,823,860.70 should have actually been awarded to a winning lone bidder sometime in March 2020. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic that implemented the community quarantine, all construction projects were suspended by the government including the aforementioned. As a consequence, it has caused the DBM to slash almost a half of the budget allocation and the fund for the project was left with a reduced ABC of ?3,101,024.50. The HoPE, thus declared the previous bidding a failure invoking RA 9184 Section 41. c) (iii) if the source of funds for the project has been withheld or reduced through no fault of the Procuring Entity. The Infrastructure Office, headed by College Engineer, Jerome M. Galam, immediately made revisions to the original plan to correspond with the new ABC. The project was posted on PhilGEPS and bidding was conducted but turned out a failure. Then, another posting and bidding was conducted on September 16, 2020, participated by two bidders. Unfortunately, in the TWG’s evaluation, both bidders were disqualified due to technical and financial lapses. After two failed biddings, contractors were invited to a negotiation wherein two bidders participated. The TWG, Chaired by Engr. Christopher S. Paladio recommended to award the project to Conrado B. Bautista Const. & Supply Corporation for having the lowest calculated responsive bid of ?2,486,002.81. After the BOT’s approval to issue the Notice of Award, Contract Signing, and Notice to Proceed, it is expected that the installation will begin sometime in November 2020 and most likely to be completed within the delivery period of 60 calendar days.
TRAINING ON BOTON PRODUCT PROCESSING AND UTILIZATION
Training on “Boton Product Processing and Utilization” was conducted on October 1-2, 2020 at the Farmers’ Training Center (FTC) Dibet, Casiguran, Aurora. Participants were forty (40) members from the Pangkasama Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Casiguran. The training consisted of the following flow: Opening Program with an Invocation led by Ms. Chenie Mae T. Bibon; National Anthem by Ms. Maribelle A. Soriano; Opening, Welcome Remarks and Overview of the Training, by Ma. Luz F. Cabatan, PhD, the Project Leader; and then Messages from Lordan B. Roxas, EdD, the General Manager of PANGKASAMA Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Hon. Ricardo A. Bitong, MD, the Chief Executive of LGU Casiguran; and Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr., PhD, President of ASCOT. The second part on the program started with the Introduction of Boton (Barringtonia asiatica) as Molluscicide discussed by Jonah G. Zante, PhD; followed by Gender Sensitivity – An Integration by GAD Coordinator, Jomer B. Mangawang; and then lecture and discussions on Processing of Boton Powder by Ma. Luz F. Cabatan, PhD and Jomer B. Mangawang; and Boton Powder Utilization by Jonah G. Zante, PhD and Chenie Mae T. Bibon. The first day ended with an Open Forum moderated by Ms. Rica Nicole Y. Napoles. The second day of the training was purely field demonstrations on collection, de-husking, drying, shredding, pulverizing, preparation of mixtures and field application of boton powder. The day successfully ended with impressions and commitments from the participants, assessment of the training, awarding of certificates, acknowledgment and closing remarks. The previous boton project entitled, ”Production, Field Testing, and Commercialization of Boton (Barringtonia asiatica) as Biopesticide” was able to develop boton powder that is effective in controlling golden apple snails which are considered `pests’ in rice production. The proponents of the project are on the process of looking for prospective adopters of the technology, hence, training are conducted to develop awareness among rice farmers who are potential adopters. The rice farmers who are members of groups, associations or cooperatives were selected through proper coordination with the Local Government Units, particularly the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist from the three municipalities of the northern part of Aurora Province namely; Dilasag, Casiguran, and Dinalungan. The objectives of the training were; to discuss the benefits that can be derived from the boton biopesticide; demonstrate the processing of boton into powder which is effective as molluscicide; perform actual use and application of the molluscicide; and encourage potential adopters of the technology from the participating groups. The participants of the activity were trained on how to process the boton seeds into powder and the proper use of the powder as molluscicide in identified rice fields infested with golden apple snails. The effect of the molluscicide will be observed after its application. The said training served as venue in motivating rice farmers to adopt the boton technology with the hope that negotiation and arrangement with the groups as possible adopters be done, and in turn, transfer of the boton biopesticide technology will be achieved.
DAAS ORIENTATION PROGRAM: “AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION IN THE NEW NORMAL”
Nobody should be left behind amidst the pandemic. The Department of Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences (DAAS) of ASCOT Bazal Campus conducted series of orientation program for first year, transferees, and old students, with the theme “Agricultural Education in the New Normal”. The first orientation was conducted on August 31, 2020 at Maria Aurora, Aurora then on September 3, 2020 at San Luis, Aurora. The DAAS team then proceeded to Casiguran on September 15, 2020 and to Dilasag the following day, while the municipality of Dipaculao was scheduled on the 17th and Baler, Aurora on the 18th of September 2020. The orientation and modules distribution was spearheaded by the Department Director, Dr. Evi Q. Fontanos, together with the General Education and Agriculture Faculty and Staff. DAAS, in partnership with the said municipalities, prepared a short program that provided the students information about the things that they needed to know in studying at ASCOT. Likewise, the orientation helped the students to be enlightened about the new normal in the education system. The highlights of the program were the Introduction of the faculty and staff led by Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan; followed by a discussion of the Policies on Student Affairs and Services (SAS) by Dr. Riosahlie Y. Madrid; then the Policies and Mechanics of Online Class Implementation under New Normal by Dr. Evi Q. Fontanos; and lastly, the Campus Policies were discussed by Mr. Mark Vincent Padilla. After the program proper, students were grouped into designated areas according to year level to meet their instructors and be briefed regarding the policies in their respective enrolled subjects. Likewise, modules were distributed and specific instructions were given to the students who made use of the opportunity to air their queries and uncertainties in this time of the new normal in the education system that they will be facing. Then, the program concluded with a closing remarks by Ms. Maribelle A. Soriano, the program chair. In the course of the activity, everyone saw to it that health protocols were observed like wearing face mask, physical distancing, and use of disinfectant. The DAAS is grateful that everything went right and well through the joint effort of all the members of the DAAS family with the support of the College Administration and partner municipalities. Random pictures of the activity.
GENDER SENSITIVITY TRAINING-WORKSHOP (MODULE PREPARATION)
ASCOT GAD sponsored a Gender Sensitivity Training-Workshop on Module Preparation, held on August 25, 2020 at the Accreditation Hall, Dr. Juan C. Angara Building, ASCOT Zabali Campus, Baler, Aurora. Participants of the program included all GAD Coordinators and Members of the GAD Technical Working Group (TWG). Mr. John Claufer Malapitan acted as overall facilitator. In the GAD Director, Malou C. Angara’s opening remarks, she mentioned that the present situation brought about by the pandemic should not limit one’s desire to pursue his/her advocacy. She reiterated the need of giving Gender Sensitivity training to everyone, particularly to the newly hired members of the faculty and that instead of having a face-to-face training, a modular GST is an alternative measure to adopt. College President, Dr. Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr. delivered an inspirational message wherein he encouraged everyone to continue their advocacies and hoped that in the pursuit of such, it will eventually open the minds of those who refuse to understand and make change. Likewise, the president administered the awarding of the winners in the brochure making competition that the GAD office has initiated among themselves. Winners were: Joshua Dela Cruz and Lara Tereza Arcillas for their entry “End Rape Culture Now” and Jomer Mangawang and Raiza Kate Ico for “Bawal Ang Bastos: Safe Space Act”. Other entries were: “Stop Bullying” by Regina Candelario and Melissa Garace Nacino; “Mental Health Awareness” by Amparo Roberta A. Espinosa and Joh Claufer Malapitan; and “Adolescent Pregnancy” by Jeffrey G. Susada and Malou C. Angara. For the GAD advocates, it was a humbling experience when the president spared the team his precious time for a casual table talk/discussion. At the start of the training proper, TWG Member Jomer Mangawang provided the participants an overview of the training by mentioning the following topics – Family Planning, SOGIE Bill and Magna Carta for Women among others. Then, Ms. Malou Angara introduced the invited resource person, Mr. Kevin Lawrence G. Romas, a video editor from Tripzilla Philippines, Southeast Asia’s leading culture and travel digital media platform that reaches over 25 million users monthly. Mr. Romas discussed the topic on Policy on Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Making and presented the different applications available for use in making brochures, booklets and other IEC materials. He also focused on graphic design and layout and emphasized the use of fonts, colors, and space in designing. At one point in the workshop, the participants were grouped in pairs and were assigned topics for brochure making such as: Malou C. Angara and Melissa Grace Nacino on Magna Carta for Women; Joshua Dela Cruz and Amparo Roberta A. Espinosa on Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood; Regina Candelario and Marlon Linggon on Drugs; Raiza Kate Ico and Sandy Bitong on Gender Fair Language; James Matthew Viernes and John Claufer Malapitan on SOGIE Bill; and Jomer Mangawang and Jeffrey Susada on Human Trafficking. It was followed by the presentation of outputs which were collected by the GAD director after the workshop. The training-workshop ended with the awarding of certificates to the participants.
ASCOT SUMMER TERM ENROLMENT BEGINS AMID COVID19 PANDEMIC
In support to the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) being implemented by the government which aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19, the Aurora State College of Technology will conduct for the first time an online and mobile enrolment for Summer Term 2020 starting June 1- June 15 for the following departments: a) Department of Forestry and Environmental Sciences which conducted a pure online enrolment have a total number of 328 enrollees, b) Department of Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences which executed a mobile house to house enrolment with a total of 185 enrolees, c) Department of Industrial Technology which conducted a simultaneous mobile and online enrolment in every municipalities in Aurora from June 10 to June 13, 2020 and have a total of 506 enrolled student wherein 199 of them are through online enrolment while the 307 where through the mobile enrolment and d) Department of Graduate Studies which started last June 1-4 at Zabali Campus, June 5-7 a mobile enrolment was conducted at DICADI Area. Last day of enrolment was extended from June 11 to June 15 to cater late enrollees. Classes for Undergraduates will start on June 16, 2020 while for Graduate Studies is on June 20, 2020. This summer term class primarily serves students who are required to take summer classes based on their curriculum, have prerequisites for higher subjects or academic level, and those who are graduating. ASCOT assures everyone that its primary concern is the welfare and safety of the students amid the COVID-19 pandemic while meeting the academic needs of students. In recognition of the economic situation at this time, the decision to hold online summer classes comes with it the introduction of the blended learning. “Blended learning” or “hybrid learning” is a fusion of “online distant learning” and “in-person” delivery of printed materials to the homes of the learners through the barangays (villages) for those who don’t have internet access and interactive facilities in the comfort of their homes. ASCOT will ensure that at the end of the Summer Term, all enrolled students will become equipped with necessary knowledge and skills needed to complete the program while using blended learning for the first time.
ASCOT Graduates Pass Agriculturist Licensure Examination
The Department of Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences once again produced new Professionals as seven of its graduates successfully passed the Agriculturist Licensure Examination administered last November 2017. ASCOT got a performance rate of 43.75% against the 38.25% national passing rate. This only shows that ASCOT continues to provide quality education addressing the country’s increasing demand for competent graduates. Congratulations to the new Agriculturist! 1. Amatorio, Manuel Banania 2. Dugay, Jeniffer Lacambra 3. Dizo, Leonila Sumineg 4. Ramac, Irene Sumineg 5. Vasquez, Eden Joy Esquioja 6. Quiben, Marcial Briniola 7. Parcasio, Robin Marigmen
ASCOT Officially Opens the College Intramurals 2016
Streaks of blue, orange, maroon, yellow, green, pink, and black filled the bleachers of Sentro Baler as ASCOT holds the opening of Intramurals 2016 in a very colourful and festive mood today, September 7, 2016. The reverberating cheers and yells from the competing teams were of excitement to an epic week of activities that was about to begin. The College President, Dr. Doracie B. Zoleta-Nantes, then welcomed everybody with a message about excellence and comradeship which is linked with this year’s theme, “Building Camaraderie and Excellence through Sports”. She stated that despite the competitive nature of the intramural events, athletes must remember that all of these activities are meant to inculcate a sense of camaraderie among ASCOTians. The torch lightning ceremony led by Mr. Robert Bermudo, SCUAA Gold Medalist, the hoisting of team flags spearheaded by the College and Team Officials and the Oath of Athlete led by Ms. Ladie Queenie Torres signalled the official start of the 4-days Intramurals.
CHED Grants Certificate of Program Compliance to BSA and BSIT Programs of ASCOT
The two Academic Programs of the Aurora State College of Technology recently got the Certificate of Program Compliance from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), after a series of evaluation and accreditation visits. The Assessment team from CHED composed of evaluators, Dr. Regina D. Cura, Dr. Ma. Teresita B. De Leon, Mr. John Wesley S. Calagui visited ASCOT last July 1-2, 2016 for the assessment of the College’s program offerings and for the evaluation and monitoring of its compliances to Policies, Standards and Guidelines set by CHED and just recently, July 8, 2016, CHED finally issued the Certificate of Program Compliance to the BSA and BSIT programs of the College. Certificate of Program Compliance No. 020, Series 2016 states that ASCOT has successfully complied with the requirements prescribed by the Commission for the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program for Levels I-IV effective AY 2016-2017 by Virtue of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 14,s .2008 “Policies and Standards for Bachelor of Science in Agriculture” Program.
CHED Grants P2.1M Funding for the Establishment of ASCOT SMART CLASSROOMS
The Aurora State College of Technology is a recipient of a financial grant from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the amount of Php. 2, 100, 000.00 to finance the establishment of ASCOT SMART CLASSROOMS. This project was awarded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) through the resourcefulness of the College President and with the hard work of the Academic Directors who prepared the project proposal in this regard, equipping the College with the technology tools that will improve the student learning environment and aiming to upgrade the College’s capability and sustain its development efforts to keep the lead role in providing excellent education. As part of the ASCOT’s Smart Classroom Project, technologies to facilitate teaching and learning have been installed in the seven (7) Departments that were selected for the implementation of the project. With its goal to enhance classrooms with new technologies to support educational initiatives, each Department received 12 units desktop computers, 1 unit server, 1 unit LCD projector, 12 pieces chairs and 4 pieces computer tables (3 computer units per table).
Strengthening Faculty Research Capacities, at its Inception
With its goal of delivering quality research outputs that will gear towards further development of Aurora Province, Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), initiated by the Office of the President, launched its research capacity enhancement for faculty members entitled “Comprehensive Introduction to Research Process and Plagiarism” on February 3, 2016 at the Audio-Visual Room, ICTC, ASCOT, Baler, Aurora. Encouraging young faculty members to engage in research, the seminar was intended for Contract of Service instructors, of which a total of 41 forwarded support via attendance.