November 30, 2024, Brgy. Dinadiawan, Dipaculao, Aurora – Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) continues to uphold its commitment to service through its D.R.E.A.M Core Values: Dependability, Responsiveness, Empathy, Adaptability, and Mindfulness. Led by President Dr. Renato G. Reyes, ASCOT continues its mission to assist communities severely impacted by Super Typhoon Pepito PH.

 

In Brgy. Dinadiawan alone, over 1,450 families were affected, with homes damaged and livelihoods disrupted, leaving many dependent on relief efforts. According tothe SK Chairman of the barangay, Mr. Charl Lexber Espanñol, “Sa ayuda na lang po talaga ngayon lahat umaasa.”painting a picture of the dire situation in the area.

 

This weekend, ASCOT extended its support to around 200 families in Upper Bolos, where the college has constructed a “make shift hall for the upcoming ASCOT activities such as literacy program, feeding program, training activities, and other related activities.” (VP Barawid, 2024) Children were served hot meals and given activity kits, offering moments of joy amid the challenges, especially as classes remain suspended due to the complete destruction of their school. Families also received food packs and clean drinking water. Despite these efforts, urgent needs persist, particularly water for babies and elders and roofing materialsfor homes that remain heavily damaged.

Faculty and staff from the School of Engineering and the General Services Unit (GSU) led the construction. Simultaneously, the Research and Extension Offices, together with GAD and other unit heads, conducted community interviews to better understand the challenges.

Residents shared, “Kailangan po talaga namin ito. [relief packs] Sira po ang mga pananim naming niyog at saging.” “Hanggang ngayon po, ginagawan po ng paraan ‘yung nasira at wala ng bubong na aming bahay.”

 

ASCOT’s Supreme Student Council (SCSC) launched a donation drive for clothing and other necessities. In place of their usual December activities, student leaders redirected their efforts to support typhoon victims.

 

Meanwhile, VP for Administration, Planning, and Finance, Engr. Oscar C. Barawid, mobilized additional help by inviting his high school batchmates from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College (formerly Our Lady of the Sacred Academy). Representatives of Batch ’93, including Philip Emmanuel Galapon, Bernardo Nocum, and Jon Jon Castro, joined the relief efforts and brought food packs and clean water for affected families.

 

Despite these efforts, communication in the area remains a challenge due to lack of signal, making it difficult to coordinate directly with sitios. Residents and volunteers are encouraged to visit the Barangay Hall to share information on which areas still need assistance.

 

ASCOT also made sure that its students from DICADI, who were affected by the typhoon, were sent home to check on their families. For other ASCOTians who wish to visit their loved ones, they may coordinate with Ms. Alma Bayudan, SAS Director.

 

President Reyes assures that ASCOT will continue to extend help, guided by its core values of compassion and service, as the community works together to rise from this disaster.