Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) was declared Champion with an overall rating of 93.95% in affiliated level among all HEIs in Davao Region during the Regional Annual Administrative Tactical Inspection (RAATI) 2023, held at Davao del Sur Coliseum Grounds on May 27, 2023.

The weeks of rigorous training of the cadets and cadettes with their cadet officers have assured the college to its victory. Almost 600 DSSC ROTC students undergo RAATI under the leadership of DSSC NSTP Director, Prof. Gary Dave Escoton and Ssg. Kristen D. Dua (AGS) PA, DSSC ROTC Unit Chief Clerk.

This activity kicked-off with the arrival of honors at DSSC Boardroom. DSSC President Dr. Augie E. Fuentes welcomed Col. Gerry M. Besana MNSA (INF) PA, Chairman of RAATI 2023. Along with Col. Besana were Tagum City Vice Mayor Col. Allan Rellon RES (GSC) PA, RAATI Vice Chairman; Col. Ruben B. Matillano GSC (INF) PA, Assistant Chief of unified command staff for reservist and retiree affairs; and Col Josue M. Caberto MI (GSC) PA, Group Commander of 11^th Regional Community Defense Group, RESCOM PA.

Meanwhile, Major Anwar Ray O. Celis (INF) PA, commandant of 1101^st Community Defense Center, 11RCDG, presented the DSSC ROTC Unit Annual Report.

Report of accomplishments, activity engagements, enrollment status, Unit concerns were the topics presented. In addition, planning to activate DSSC ROTC Unit from Category B to Category A, as well as the fund support intended for the training of Advance ROTC Cadets who will undergo RSCT and ARAPT 2023 were discussed.

The RAATI Team of S.Y. 2022-2023 inspected the units’ degree of administrative efficiency, training management, proficiency, and quality of training attained by the Corps of Cadets. These include administrative inspection, ceremonial parade, rank inspection, operation order writing, map reading, assembly and disassembly of rifles and pistols, company drill, method of instructions, small unit tactics and disaster response and rescue operations.

RAATI helped the Philippine Army determine the state of training and readiness of ROTC units in the country. (Shawn Medina/DSSC PRIO with photos from Princess Shara Arshad)