August 07, 2024 – With a student population now exceeding 7,000, Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) is enhancing its student support services by hosting a capacity-building seminar for its guidance coordinators.The event, titled “Empowering Tomorrow: Capacity Building for Guidance Coordinators of ASCOT,” aimed to equip coordinators with the necessary skills to better support students. Held at the ASCOT College of Law, the seminar addressed the pressing need for improved guidance as ASCOT continues to expand.
Dr. Ma Luz F. Cabatan, ASCOT’s VP for Academic Affairs, emphasized the need for ongoing professional development, stating, “Iba-iba ang pangangailangan ng bawat programa, kaya’t kritikal ang papel ng guidance coordinator, lalo na ngayon na patuloy na dumadami ang mga estudyante.” (“The needs of each program vary, which is why the role of guidance coordinators is critical, especially as our student numbers continue to grow.”)
Keynote speaker Dr. Irene G. Bustos from Central Luzon State University (CLSU) shared her expertise, highlighting the importance of attentive listening. She described students as “walking time bombs” needing careful support and said, “We need to be attentive listeners; kailangan nating makinig. Dahil anytime pwede silang ma-trigger at sumabog.” (“We need to be attentive listeners because they can be triggered at any time and explode.”)
The seminar concluded with the awarding of certificates and a closing message from Dr. Alma S. Bayudan, ASCOT’s Guidance Counselor III, who highlighted the seminar’s role in building a resilient support system for ASCOT’s students.
This seminar provided coordinators with actionable tools and insights to enhance their effectiveness and address student needs. It underscores ASCOT’s commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education by strengthening its guidance programs. The partnership with CLSU further enriches this commitment, bringing valuable expertise to improve student support across institutions.
Written by Arnold Monteverde – Information Officer I
Edited by: Diana Rose P. de Mesa-Amazona – Information Officer III