By Shanell Jay Aguinaldo, Stratcom Intern

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Regional Annual Administrative Tactical Inspection (RAATI) was conducted at  MMSU on Monday, April 29, focusing on military preparedness and administrative efficiency. 

Dr. Oscar Agpaoa, vice president for administration, finance, and business, together with Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano Jr., vice president for planning and strategic foresight, and Engr. Vladimir Ibañez, MMSU chief of the NSTP office, warmly welcomed the military officers and personnel who paid a courtesy call at the Office of the President.

Present at the event were Col. Reynaldo Bidat, chairman of RAATI; Col. Antonio Burton, vice-chairman; Maj. Joewie Bermudes, inspection team leader; Cpt. Remer Orlanda; MSg. Ronald Gaspar; MSg. Erwin Marinas; SSg. Francis Isidro; SSg. Ferdinand Torenno; Sgt. Shyrell Abad; Cpl. Freanita Saldua; Cpl. Francis Padilla; and other members of the RAATI team. 

After the courtesy call, 1Lt Bernardino R. Rodillas, assistant commandant of the MMSU Laoag ROTC unit, provided a comprehensive briefing on the current status of ROTC activities. Discussions centered on initiatives such as the Philippine Army Advanced ROTC Cash Incentives, which provides Php 12,000 per semester to enrolled ROTC students. Rodillas also highlighted budget utilization and strategies to boost enrollees.

ROTC cadets from MMSU Batac and Laoag campus and Data Center College of Laoag participated in the inspection, which encompassed various aspects of administrative efficiency, training management, and proficiency. Activities included administrative inspection, ceremonial parade, rank inspection, operation order writing, map reading, assembly and disassembly of rifles and pistols, and method of instruction. 

The RAATI, an annual undertaking of the 1st Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command of the Philippine Army, involves the meticulous inspection of all activated Army ROTC units within the operational area. (MKA_StratCom)