In a significant step toward the full operationalization of the ROTC Army program across all Romblon State University (RSU) campuses, the university achieved a historic milestone by successfully completing its first-ever Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI), emerging as the top-performing institution in the MIMAROPA Region.
Romblon State University (RSU) marked a historic milestone as its Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Unit successfully underwent its first-ever Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI), emerging as the top-performing unit in the MIMAROPA Region.
The conduct of the RAATI was in accordance with Department of National Defense Circular No. 09, series of 2022, which outlines the implementing guidelines of Republic Act 9163 or the National Service Training Program (NSTP). The inspection serves as a comprehensive evaluation of ROTC units across the country, ensuring their compliance with administrative standards and tactical readiness.
The evaluation was carried out by the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs of the 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, which serves as the designated evaluation team for ROTC units in the CALABARZON and MIMAROPA Regions. ROTC Army units nationwide are activated and managed by the Philippine Army Reserve Command (RESCOM) through its regional community defense groups.
For RSU, the RAATI represented more than just an inspection. It stood as a defining moment in the university’s 111-year history, being the first time its ROTC unit underwent such a rigorous and prestigious evaluation. The activation of the ROTC unit was initiated in 2022 under the leadership of Forester Edgar V. Andalecio, Director of the National Service Training Program and Public Assistance and Security Office. After four years of preparation, development, and commitment, the unit has now reached a significant level of operational excellence.
The evaluation activities commenced with the visiting officials attending the university’s flag-raising ceremony before proceeding to the RSU San Agustin Campus, where the RAATI proper was conducted. The event was held under the leadership of Dr. Poly Banagan, Campus Director, alongside Forester Andalecio as University Director of NSTP, and Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan M. Escopalao, Commandant and 1705th Community Defense Center Director and his training staff with the full support of the NSTP-ROTC Coordinator, Mr. Jarem M. Manago together with his Assistant, Ms. Ethel June I. Fortu.
The inspection was divided into two major components: the Administrative Inspection and the Field Test. The Administrative Inspection covered areas such as general facilities, organizational charts, records, reports, correspondence, compliance with regulations and directives, unit briefings, and advocacy campaigns. RSU earned an impressive score of 195.3 out of 200 points in this category.
Meanwhile, the Field Test evaluated the cadets’ discipline, coordination, and tactical competence through activities including arrival honors, ceremonial parade, inspection in ranks, close order drill, military stakes, raid and ambush exercises, first aid and basic life support, and a comprehensive examination. The university garnered 770.3 out of 800 points in this segment.
With a combined score of 965.6 out of 1,000 points garnering 96.56 percent, RSU secured the highest rank in the MIMAROPA Region, a testament to the dedication, discipline, and excellence of its ROTC-Army students from the San Agustin Campus.
The RAATI was conducted under the supervision of Colonel Virginio C. Hamos Jr., Chairman of the Office of the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, together with Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan M. Escopalao, Commandant, and the rest of the evaluation team.
University President Merian P. Mani emphasized the broader vision behind the program, stating, “Our dream is for every RSUvian to be a volunteer in whatever field you are needed.” Echoing this call to service, Colonel Hamos encouraged the cadets/cadettes to take their commitment further, saying, “I hope to see you in the Philippine Army.”
This achievement not only highlights RSU’s commitment to excellence in training future officers and reservists but also reinforces its role in nation-building through service, leadership, and civic responsibility.
The conduct of the RAATI was in accordance with Department of National Defense Circular No. 09, series of 2022, which outlines the implementing guidelines of Republic Act 9163 or the National Service Training Program (NSTP). The inspection serves as a comprehensive evaluation of ROTC units across the country, ensuring their compliance with administrative standards and tactical readiness.
The evaluation was carried out by the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs of the 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, which serves as the designated evaluation team for ROTC units in the CALABARZON and MIMAROPA Regions. ROTC Army units nationwide are activated and managed by the Philippine Army Reserve Command (RESCOM) through its regional community defense groups.
For RSU, the RAATI represented more than just an inspection. It stood as a defining moment in the university’s 111-year history, being the first time its ROTC unit underwent such a rigorous and prestigious evaluation. The activation of the ROTC unit was initiated in 2022 under the leadership of Forester Edgar V. Andalecio, Director of the National Service Training Program and Public Assistance and Security Office. After four years of preparation, development, and commitment, the unit has now reached a significant level of operational excellence.
The evaluation activities commenced with the visiting officials attending the university’s flag-raising ceremony before proceeding to the RSU San Agustin Campus, where the RAATI proper was conducted. The event was held under the leadership of Dr. Poly Banagan, Campus Director, alongside Forester Andalecio as University Director of NSTP, and Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan M. Escopalao, Commandant and 1705th Community Defense Center Director and his training staff with the full support of the NSTP-ROTC Coordinator, Mr. Jarem M. Manago together with his Assistant, Ms. Ethel June I. Fortu.
The inspection was divided into two major components: the Administrative Inspection and the Field Test. The Administrative Inspection covered areas such as general facilities, organizational charts, records, reports, correspondence, compliance with regulations and directives, unit briefings, and advocacy campaigns. RSU earned an impressive score of 195.3 out of 200 points in this category.
Meanwhile, the Field Test evaluated the cadets’ discipline, coordination, and tactical competence through activities including arrival honors, ceremonial parade, inspection in ranks, close order drill, military stakes, raid and ambush exercises, first aid and basic life support, and a comprehensive examination. The university garnered 770.3 out of 800 points in this segment.
With a combined score of 965.6 out of 1,000 points garnering 96.56 percent, RSU secured the highest rank in the MIMAROPA Region, a testament to the dedication, discipline, and excellence of its ROTC-Army students from the San Agustin Campus.
The RAATI was conducted under the supervision of Colonel Virginio C. Hamos Jr., Chairman of the Office of the Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs, 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, together with Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan M. Escopalao, Commandant, and the rest of the evaluation team.
University President Merian P. Mani emphasized the broader vision behind the program, stating, “Our dream is for every RSUvian to be a volunteer in whatever field you are needed.” Echoing this call to service, Colonel Hamos encouraged the cadets/cadettes to take their commitment further, saying, “I hope to see you in the Philippine Army.”
This achievement not only highlights RSU’s commitment to excellence in training future officers and reservists but also reinforces its role in nation-building through service, leadership, and civic responsibility.
