The Aurora State College of Technology (ASCOT), through its Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), reaffirmed its leadership in advancing environmental stewardship as it hosted a specialized training on Maritime Spatial Planning and Maritime Domain Awareness on September 16, 2025, at the ASCOT-IP Building, Casiguran Campus.
The training, organized by the IEG with the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (SoFOS) and Tanggol Kalikasan, brought together students, community leaders, and representatives from BFAR, MENRO, and the Municipal Agricultural Office. It aimed to strengthen collaboration and equip local stakeholders with science-based knowledge for managing Aurora's coastal and marine ecosystems.
Guest speaker Dr. Guy R. Cochrane, a marine geophysicist and U.S. Geological Survey Research Geophysical Emeritus, shared his expertise in swath sonar mapping and habitat studies. With more than 40 years of experience and over 60 global expeditions, Dr. Cochrane highlighted how accurate data and international standards can support better marine conservation strategies.
The program opened by Dr. Mark Joseph Rafael (Dean, SoFOS) and Dr. RB J. Gallego (Coordinator, IEG), who emphasized IEG's unwavering commitment to capacitating both students and local partners for environmental decision-making and long-term ecosystem protection.
Prior to the training, ASCOT officials paid a courtesy call to President Dr. Renato G. Reyes, who emphasized Aurora's ecological promise and the importance of collaboration and international partnerships.