Division Training on Mastering the Arts of Tourism in Aurora Through Collaborative Expertise of Industry Practitioners and Educators

On August 30, 2025, the Department of Education’s Schools Division Office of Aurora hosted a Division Training on Mastering the Arts of Tourism, bringing together educators and industry experts. Held at Gerry Shan’s Bay View Restaurant in Sabang, Baler, the training was a strategic effort to enhance the skills of Junior and Senior High School teachers who teach hospitality and tourism. The event, spearheaded by Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Dante G. Parungao and Education Program Supervisor Dr. Jonalyn O. Calado, drew 54 educators from all eight municipalities of Aurora Province.

Paglinang sa Filipino at Katutubong Wika: Makasaysayan sa Pagkakaisa ng Bansa Tertulyang Pamngwika 2025

Ang tertulyang pangwika ay pomal na sinimulan sa pamamagitan ng pag-awit ng Lupang Hinirang. sinundan ito nang taimtim at pagluluwalhati sa Poong Maykapal. Ang mga mensahe mula sa tagapangulo ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF), Atty. Marites A. Barrios-Taran, at ang direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura (SWK-ASCOT), Bb. Angelica A Vallejo, ay naglalaman ng panghihikayat na pagyamanin at pahalagahan ang pamanang lahi, lalo na sa mga kabataan. Inspirasyon din ang mga pahayag nina Dr. Renato G. Reyes, Pangulo ng Aurora State College of Technology, at Dr. Mayreen V Amazona, Pangalawang Pangulong Pang-akademiko, na nagbigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng pagpapatuloy at pagpapalaganap ng wikang Filipino at ng mga katutubong wika ng ating bansa.

Personality Development for Hospitality and Business Staff

On May 13, 2025, the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), through the Extension and Rural Development Office and the School of Accountancy and Business Management (SABM), successfully conducted a one-day training seminar entitled “Personality Development for Hospitality and Business Staff.” This activity forms part of the broader initiative “ToDo Negosyo!”, a six-year collaborative extension program designed to empower local entrepreneurs and business personnel through targeted skills development.

Essential Food Safety and First Aid Awareness Training

“The Essential Food Safety and First Aid Awareness Training” was conducted on May 14, 2025, at Ruperto Zubia Elementary School at Barangay Sabang, Baler, Aurora. This training aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in proper food handling, personal hygiene, and basic first aid response. It focused on promoting health and safety in food service environments by raising awareness on the prevention of foodborne illnesses and teaching appropriate emergency procedures. The activity reflects the commitment of the School of Accountancy and Business Management to maintaining safe and sanitary practices in the community.

Reviving Heritage, Reasserting Voices

The webinar received positive feedback from participants, with many expressing appreciations for both the content and delivery. Attendees reported that the sessions effectively addressed the core themes and learning outcomes outlined at the beginning of the program.

Business Management and Financial Literacy Training

“Todo Negosyo! Financial Literacy and Business Management Program” On March 25, 2025, Ascot under the SABM (School of Accountancy and Business Management) conducted an extension program titled Todo Negosyo! at the Barangay Hall, Brgy. Sabang, Baler, Aurora. This initiative, part of a six-year collaboration extension program, aimed to equip male and female entrepreneurs and business staff with essential knowledge on financial literacy and business management. The event was made possible through the collective efforts of the faculty members and administration, led by Mrs. Ella Mercedita S. Flores, the Extension Coordinator of SABM, along with her cofaculty members Associate Prof. Arlene Dulay, Ma’am Kim Macalood, and Sir Troy Olivar. The main objective of the Todo Negosyo! program was to: Improve financial literacy among entrepreneurs in Brgy. Sabang, especially in managing finances effectively. Enhance business management skills, focusing on the practical application of financial tools for sustainable business growth. Provide an avenue for entrepreneurs to gain access to expert advice and resources. Foster collaboration between Ascot’s faculty members and local entrepreneurs for future projects and development.

Mental Health Support and Discussion of Scholarship Opportunities with ASCOT Casiguran Students

The activity increased student awareness of available mental health resources and counseling services while enhancing their understanding of scholarship qualifications and application procedures. It also encouraged proactive help seeking behavior and strengthened institutional support for student well being, fostering a more informed and motivated community committed to personal development and academic success.