ASCOT SABM Extension and Rural Development

15/08/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘆𝗲𝘀! 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭 𝗦𝗨𝗖 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵

Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT) President Dr. Renato G. Reyes has been ranked No. 1 among State Universities and Colleges (SUC) presidents in the Philippines who are Scopus producers and researchers, according to a ranking released by UGH University Excellence and updated August 13, 2026.

The ranking, titled “Top 10 SUC Presidents of the Philippines Who are Scopus Producers and Researchers,” lists SUC leaders based on their contributions to research publications indexed in Scopus, a major international database for scholarly literature.
Pres. Reyes topped the list with 64 Scopus-indexed publications, 774 citations, and an h-index of 16.

What do these numbers mean?

Scopus is one of the world's major databases for scholarly research. When a research paper is indexed in Scopus, it means the publication is included in a widely used international database that researchers and academic institutions use to track scholarly work.

The 64 Scopus publications indicate the number of research works by Dr. Reyes recorded in the database. Meanwhile, his 774 citations mean that his published research has been referenced by other researchers hundreds of times in their own scholarly works. Citations are commonly used as one indicator of how widely research is being used or recognized within the academic community.

His h-index of 16 means that he has at least 16 publications that have each been cited at least 16 times. The measure is commonly used to look at both the productivity and citation impact of a researcher.

Dr. Reyes’ ranking places him ahead of other SUC presidents included in the national list, highlighting his contribution to research and knowledge production alongside his role as an institutional leader.

For ASCOT, the recognition also points to the growing importance of research in strengthening the institution’s academic work. Research provides universities and colleges with evidence and new knowledge that can help address issues in communities, improve practices, and support innovation.

Congratulations, Dr. Renato G. Reyes!

The ASCOT community proudly celebrates this milestone and looks forward to more research that creates knowledge, inspires innovation, and makes a meaningful difference in the community and beyond.

24/07/2026

23/06/2026

The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center III conducted a Training on Financial Literacy and Management for Coconut Farmers at Pacific Waves in Baler, Aurora, from June 22 to 24, 2026.

During the event, Dr. Hezel Guillen, a faculty member of the School of Accountancy and Business Management at the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), discussed financial recording, bookkeeping, and auditing. Additionally, the training featured a hands-on workshop where participants drafted their own household budgets, cash flow statements, farm plans and budget, and farm enterprise plan.

This collaborative effort equips local coconut farmers with the critical entrepreneurial skills needed to transition their farms into sustainable, profitable businesses.

23/06/2026

The Agricultural Training Institute–Regional Training Center III conducted Training on Financial Literacy and Management for Coconut Farmers at Pacific Waves, Baler, Aurora, on June 22–24, 2026.

Ms. Franque Siena-An Mata, Program Chair of Accountancy at the Aurora State College of Technology, discussed financial literacy and its significance, as well as the business cycle and the characteristics of a successful agri-enterprise.

Our local coconut farmers took center stage, actively participating and opening up about their real-world farming experiences, seasonal challenges, and market struggles.

Together, we are building a stronger, more united farming community in Aurora!

22/06/2026

The Junior Confederation of Finance Associations-Philippines, Central Luzon Chapter (JCFAP-CL), conducted a community outreach program in Brgy. Villa, Maria Aurora, Aurora, on June 19, 2026. The beneficiaries were members of the Alta Tribe within the community. Aside from gift-giving, the JCFAP equipped the participants with practical knowledge on how to recognize genuine currency, avoid counterfeit money, and develop awareness regarding financial safety and responsibility.

Dr. Hezel M. Guillen, a faculty member of the School of Accountancy and Business Management at Aurora State College of Technology, served as the Resource Speaker. Drawing from her experience in finance and academe, she discussed the three ways to check currency using the "Feel, Look, and Tilt" method. She also highlighted important considerations regarding printing quality, color vibrancy, size, cut, UV light utilization, and the physical condition of money. Furthermore, she discussed what to do if they receive fake money and outline the legal penalties for using counterfeit currency. The discussion was highly successful, as participants were tested and gained hands-on experience using the tips provided by Dr. Guillen.

The event concluded with gift-giving and games for the participants.

20/05/2026

11/05/2026

🌴 Empowering Coconut Farmers Through Farm Business Education 🌴

The Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center III (ATI-RTC III) successfully conducted a Training on Farm Business School for Coconut on May 7, 2026, aimed at enhancing the competencies of coconut farmers in key areas of farm management, financial literacy, and marketing.

The training equipped participants with practical knowledge and skills to make sound business decisions, improve profitability, and develop sustainable coconut farm enterprises.

Among the distinguished resource speakers were faculty members from the Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT-SABM):

👨‍🏫 Dr. Ricardo G. Gonzales, Jr., Professor II, who delivered an insightful session on Developing a Vision and Goal for the Farm, highlighting the importance of setting clear objectives and strategic plans to ensure long-term farm success.

👩‍🏫 Ms. Franque Siena-an M. Mata, CPA, MBA, Assistant Professor I and Program Chair for Accountancy, who discussed Assessing the Profitability of Existing Farm Enterprises, guiding participants in evaluating costs, revenues, and financial performance to strengthen and sustain their farming businesses.

This initiative reflects ATI-RTC III’s continued commitment to empowering coconut farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to transform their farms into productive, resilient, and profitable enterprises.

11/05/2026

With pride and gratitude, the School of Accountancy and Business Management (SABM) of Aurora State College of Technology celebrates another remarkable milestone as the SABM Extension Program, “TODO NEGOSYO: A 6-Year Collaborative Extension Program for Entrepreneurs and Business Staff,” garnered Rank 55 in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2026 under Category A4: Entrepreneurial Culture & Eco System.

This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment, dedication, and collaborative efforts of all SABM faculty members who contributed to the success of this extension initiative. The program was championed and initiated by Ms. Ella Mercedita S. Flores, whose vision and leadership paved the way for impactful community engagement and entrepreneurial empowerment.

The WURI authorship and submission were spearheaded by the former BSHM Program Chair and now Dean of SABM, Ms. Regina C. Dela Torre, with the invaluable assistance of Mr. John Aldwin H. Olivar, former faculty member of SABM. Their hard work, persistence, and dedication greatly contributed to bringing this recognition to ASCOT and the SABM community.

This award would not have been possible without the collective efforts, passion, and support of everyone involved. Truly, this recognition belongs to all of us.

May this achievement inspire us to continue striving for excellence, innovation, and meaningful extension service for our communities.

Congratulations, SABM Family and ASCOT! 💚💛

09/05/2026

The Agricultural Training Institute Regional Training Center III continues its commitment to excellence in the coconut industry! Part of this commitment is ensuring that our coconut farmers build a reputable agribusiness by prioritizing food safety at every step.

Participants are all ears as Dr. Romel Ladiero, Program Chair of Hospitality Management at the ASCOT School of Accountancy and Business Management, leads an insightful session on Food Safety.

Dr. Ladiero is deep-diving into the essentials of how to handle, process, and store coconut products properly. By mastering these standards, our farmers aren't just selling products, they are providing quality and safety that consumers can trust.

09/05/2026

📊 Better Records, Better Business!

A productive day for our coconut farmers! Today, May 9, 2026, ATI Regional Training Center III hosted a vital training module on Farm Business School for Coconut.

Ms. Chrystal Faye V. Salazar, ASCOT Center for Business Incubation and Development Director, led a session on Keeping Records, emphasizing how organized documentation can lead to better farm management and increased profitability. 🥥💼

By treating the farm as a business, participants are securing a brighter future for the coconut industry in Region III. 🇵🇭