The University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) in coordination with ASCOT and with funding support and initiative with the Office of the Senator Edgardo J. Angara conducted a seminar-workshop on Careers in Marine Science held at Bahia de Baler, Brgy. Sabang Baler, Aurora on January 31, 2009. Participants were the students of ASCOT, CLSU, Wesleyan, LGU’s, Baler fisherfolks (KALMADABA) and other stakeholders interested in marine science. The seminar aimed to inform the students, parents, and school administrators about the current initiatives in developing the marine resources of Aurora; To attract talented young students to pursue careers in marine science; and to discuss the concerns of future students including training, apprenticeship, and scholarship opportunities in marine science. The College President, Dr. Eusebio V. Angara welcomed the participants and encouraged them to work hand in hand for the preservation and restoration of marine resources in Aurora. The Director for Research of ASCOT, Dr. Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr. discussed the overview of the current state of marine resources in Aurora while Dr. Porfirio M. Alinio of UPMSI explained the Marine Biology & Ecogov project in Aurora; Dr. Laura T. David of UPMSI expounded the Oceanography: Dr. Lourdes J. Cruz of UPMSI clearly explained the Marine Biotechnology and the Proposed Human Resource Development in Marine Science. The program was facilitated by Directors RB J. Gallego of ASCOT Forestry Department, Mayreen V. Amazona of Public Relations, Director Joseph T. Gonzales of ASCOT Network System, Ms. Sheryl  F. Tecuico, For. Michelle A. Resueño, & Ms. Lala Rotas of the Office of the Senator Edgardo J. Angara. Flory May C. Constantino, ASCOT English Instructor served as the Master of the Ceremonies.

Attempting to seek financial assistance from outside sources is one of the most challenging options in doing research. Amid hectic class schedule and as a Director of the Graduate Studies, Dr. Evi Q. Fontanos’ proposal for the Improvement of Aurora State College College -  Tissue Culture Laboratory (ASCOT – TCL) has been approved for funding by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) amounting to Php 1,306,113.14

According to her, this project aims to strengthen the research, instruction, training, extension and production using tissue culture technology of abaca, sabutan, coffee, rattan, banana, sweet potatoes, coconut and other plant species. It will also serves as the primary center of biotechnology facility assistance program in Aurora for those other agencies dealing with tissue culture. She pointed out that this is one of the most responsive methods nowadays to address the increasing demand for agricultural products.

Her laudable initiative is really an inspiring and a challenging work for other faculty and staff who are really committed to improve their professional growth and to help ASCOT in general.

The beginning of the year 2009 signaled a new hope and direction in the field of research when the College President, Dr. Eusebio V. Angara designated Dr. Eutiquio L. Rotaquio, Jr. as the new Director for Research. He is one among the pioneer graduates of ASCOT, forester by profession and obtained his Ph.D. in Development Science (Ecology) at the Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Japan, on September 30, 2008 under the Japanese Government Scholarship Program MONBUKAGAKUSHO-MEXT. As an initial move to encourage faculty, staff and students to do research, the Research Department will be sponsoring a search for “Best Research Paper” to be awarded at the end of every year in conjunction wit the celebration of College Doundation Day.

It’s known to many that for the past several years, the national governments’s support for higher education is truly declining especially on Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE). The national government envisions that all the State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) should become self-sustaining in their operations by venturing in the so-called Income Generating Projects (IGPs) hence, the government spending will be lessened expecting more savings to finance priority projects and boom the dwindling economy of the Philippines.

This strategy is favorable to other priority projects of the government but somehow affecting to all emerging tertiary educational institutions like ASCOT. Newly established State Colleges are more likely on the process of building infrastructure and facilities resulting to the decrease in the MOOE budget. The research fund particularly on the procurement of laboratory equipment is really at risk. The negative effects are already in place and ASCOT is no exemption. the research activities became less and limited participation among faculty is really very disappointing fact considering that research is one of the College’s major mandate. The opening of the year 2009, however, seems to be promising as the College President, Dr. Eusebio V. Angara is still hopeful and encourages all faculty and staff, even students, to do simple research which requires small budget. He also asked everyone in the College to come up with research proposals for external funding as another option.