The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) conducted a Pre-Consultation Meeting about the Proposed Budget for AY 2017 held on February 17, 2016 at CRM Multi-Purpose Hall, Zabali Dr. Oscar C. Barawid Jr., VP for Administration, during the Pre-Consultation Meeting presentation Campus, Baler, Aurora. The Pre-Consultation Meeting was attended by Faculty Association, Administration Association, Student Association and other Stakeholders of the College. The opening remarks was given by Ms. Melita M. Amatorio, the College Budget Officer in which she explained that pursuant to NBM No. 125 of its purposes that “to strengthen the conduct of agency consultations at the central and regional levels, with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the private sector, and the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) to secure feedback, inputs, among others, on programs and projects of departments/agencies”.

The program was followed by the presentation of ASCOT Proposed Budget for AY 2017 by the Vice-President for Administration Dr. Oscar C. Barawid Jr. The objectives of Dr. Barawid’s presentation were 1) to present the Proposed Budget for 2017 to the Student Organization, Faculty Association, Administration Association and other Stakeholders before the Consultation Meeting with the DBM, CHED, NEDA, PGO, LGU and other stakeholders; 2) to consult with and get the opinion/comments/suggestions of the body as to the viability of the Proposed Budget AY 2017; and 3) to secure endorsement letter from Student Organization, Faculty Association, Administration Association and other Stakeholders on or before February 22, 2016. Dr. Barawid also discussed the plans of the administration for the AY 2016 about its incoming projects and developments for the College.

After the presentation, an open forum followed in which different comments and suggestions were raised. Engr. Loreto H. Barrogo suggested that the exact names of the organizations and other stakeholder organization should be listed in the consultation meeting and this suggestion was noted. Prof. RB J. Gallego suggested that equipment of the Forestry and other departments should be included in the Proposed Budget 2017. Dr. Barawid noted the suggestion but asked Prof. Gallego to submit in writing the list of needed equipment as supporting documents to the Proposed Budget 2017. Dr. Gerardo S. Rillon commented on the different infrastructures that were being presented and all the comments were noted. Ms. Cynthia D. Macose proposed to have a seminar about the accounting procedures in order to have proper purchasing and accounting procedures. Also, Mrs. Rufina Talavera, Director of the Department of Education, raised her concerns regarding the water leakage and uneven tiles in the Hotel and Restaurant Management Building noting that the building is unsafe due to ground movement. Dr. Barawid took note of the concern and mentioned the 15-million proposed buildings can accommodate the Hotel and Restaurant Management students.
Lastly, For Ermita Hill development plan, Mr. John Ryan I. Abesamis suggested to renovate the amphitheater/hall building and the other facilities for possible income generating projects (IGP) and the hall can provide space for student practices for dance classes and for other cultural events.

After the open forum, a closing remarks was given by Dr. Gerardo S. Rillon, Chief Administrative Officer, in which he pointed out that the needed developments were clearly presented and most of the required instruments to improve the College were also discussed.