March 5, 2024- Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) and the Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Training Institute (DA-ATI) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further collaboration.

ASCOT President Reyes emphasized the potential of ASCOT’s agricultural courses and his future plans for the college. “Gusto ko mag-grow ng mushroom na indigent dito sa Aurora na maganda rin sa marketing. Bazal campus has a strong program on coconut and banana; I also want to embark on cacao.”

President Reyes also said that he wants to promote agro-ecotourism in coordination with the Department of Tourism. “My dream is also to offer an international program that is research-based. ASCOT will be converted to a university; there is no way but to go that way,” he added.

The Regional Director of DA-ATI, Joey A. Balerino Belarmino, provided key suggestions on potential research and development projects ASCOT can explore. “Ang amin pong opisina, the Agricultural Training Institute is into the promotion and dissemination of agricultural technology. ‘Yung source of technologies ay nandito. We have a pool of experts, and we have available science- and research-based technologies that we can extend to our farmers and other extension stakeholders. It’s a very good opportunity for us to extend ‘yung aming technologies sa mga communities through the assistance of a partnership with ASCOT.”

Key members of the DA-Agriculture Training Institute Region III were present for the MOU signing ceremony, including Joey A. Belarmino, the Center Director, and Jayvee Bryan G. Carillo, Assistant Center Director; Reinalyn C. Gulen, Agriculturist II; Joan P. Su-ay, Project Evaluation Officer I; Jayson B. Nidua, Development Management Officer I; Jayson B. Baldoz, Technical Support Staff IV; Frevalyn B. Atienza, Technical Support Staff IV; and Mike Bautista, a student intern from CLSU.

Also in attendance were key officials from ASCOT, including Dr. Ma. Luz F. Cabatan, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Engr. Oscar Barawid, PhD, Vice President for Administration Planning and Finance; and Joseph Gonzales, Board Secretary V.

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