Maria Aurora, Aurora | September 9, 2024 – the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) Bazal Campus held its regular flag ceremony, graced by the presence of ASCOT President Dr. Renato G. Reyes. During his visit, the President delivered an inspirational talk that resonated with the attendees, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness, facility maintenance, and the pursuit of innovative research.
Dr. Reyes began his speech by focusing on the importance of maintaining a clean and orderly environment. He urged the community to take pride in their surroundings, as this discipline often translates into a productive and inspiring atmosphere. “Just look at your surroundings,” he encouraged. “You may find inspiration for your next research project right here.”
He highlighted ASCOT’s niche in agricultural programs and challenged the faculty and students to reach greater heights. “Agri ang niche program ng ASCOT. We have to transcend to higher ground,” Pres. Reyes stated, encouraging the faculty to think creatively and make a lasting impact within their disciplines.
He also shared his current experiment about the isolation of native pellicle (nata) forming bacteria on coconut water and pineapple juice, resources that are abundant in Aurora, simple yet impactful technology which he used as a metaphor for the potential of small innovations to create significant changes. “Simple ‘yung tech, simple ‘yung resources, pero impactful ‘yung intervention na ginagawa natin,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of leveraging even the most basic resources to achieve meaningful progress.
The President further urged the faculty to engage deeply in research, envisioning a future where they would not just teach from existing books but create their own. “Pag-usapan niyo ang mga projects. Darating ang mga punto na hindi na kayo magtuturo by the book, but galing sa mga sarili niyong journal, publications, at original books na sinulat niyo,” Dr. Reyes challenged. He shared his vision of producing multiple reference books based on thorough research within their respective disciplines.
Dr. Reyes emphasized that producing scholarly work is a sign of scientific advancement and a pathway to becoming a true professor. “A book is produced out of scientific progression. In that case, magiging prof kayo. At ang mga bata naman, ma-mentor niyo ng tama,” he said, envisioning a future where students benefit from scholarship programs and are guided by well-researched, original works.
As ASCOT continues to grow, Dr. Reyes’ message served as a call to action for everyone to remain innovative, diligent, and committed to academic and research excellence, ensuring that the institution thrives as a beacon of education and development in the region.
The flag ceremony concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the attendees, who were reminded that inspiration could be found in the simplest of surroundings, driving them to explore and develop new ideas that will shape the future of ASCOT.