July 18, 2024 – The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) School of Agriculture held its inaugural recognition ceremony at the ASCOT Bazal Campus, honoring the hard work and dedication of its graduating students. The ceremony recognized a total of 319 students ( 44 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Science, 71 with a Major in Crop Science, and 204 students with a Certificate in Agricultural Science).
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ma. Luz F. Cabatan, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Agriculture. She emphasized the invaluable role of parents, saying, “I want to recognize our parents, the providers of our students. The first honor is for you, symbolizing your sacrifices, guidance, provision, and love for your children.” For the students, she added, “ASCOT will always remember you. We wish you success in passing the board exams and securing good jobs.”
She also acknowledged the faculty and staff, noting their role as second parents to the students and their contribution to building the students’ confidence to face the world.
ASCOT President Renato G. Reyes delivered an inspiring message, expressing his happiness at the students’ achievements. He observed the proud parents in attendance and encouraged the graduates, saying, “Tomorrow, you will reach the pinnacle of your success. This is just the beginning of your journey, as commencement exercises signify. There’s no way but to move forward.”
He urged them to uphold ASCOT’s core values: Dependability, Responsibility, Empathy, Adaptability, and Mindfulness, and to believe in themselves to help create a beautiful world.
The introduction of the guest speaker was done by Deputy Dean Dr. Rioshalie Y. Madrid. The guest speaker, Rosalee Grajo-Leander, an ASCOT alumna and Agriculturist II at the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office No. III, shared her insights, emphasizing the value of experience as the best teacher and source of information. She advised the graduates to understand the importance of agriculture and to view rejection as a form of redirection. She said, “Sa pag-aapply ng trabaho hindi naman agad madali na matanggap, makakaranas ng maraming rejection. Ngunit hindi ako pinanghinaan ng loob, sinabi ko sa aking sarili, rejection is redirection. Hindi ibig sabihin na hindi ka natanggap sa unang inaplayan ay hindi ka na magaling. Ibig sabihin lamang nito ay mayroong ibang nakalaaan para sa iyo.”
With High honors graduate Daniel James T. Beltran, from the Certificate in Agricultural Science program, and Cum Laude Alona Krise E. Nacion, from the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Science program, expressed their gratitude.
Mr. Beltran said, “Noong bata pa ako, never in my wildest dreams na kukuha ako ng kursong agriculture. Kagaya ng ibang bata, iba ang pangarap ko noon. Pagtungtong ko sa kolehiyo at kumuha ako ng kursong agriculture marami ang nagtanong bakit agriculture lang? Sa dalawang taon ng aking pagaaral doon ko na realize na hindi madali ang kursong ito, kaya hindi dapat sabihin na bakit agriculture lang.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Nacion said, “Huwag nating sabihing agriculture lang, hindi madali ang maging farmer. Mahalaga ang role ng mga magsasaka sa ating lipunan at ekonomiya. Tandaan natin na walang pagkain sa ating mga hapag-kainan kung wala ang mga magsasaka.”
A commencement exercise was also set for all the class of 2024 at Baler Convention Center to confer the graduates wearing cap and gown.
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