13/04/2026
๐๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฝ ๐ฅ๐ผ๐ผ๐๐, ๐๐ฟ๐๐ถ๐๐ณ๐๐น ๐๐ฒ๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ง ๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ๐ ๐ง๐ฎ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฏ๐ฎ๐๐ฒโ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ฒ๐น๐ฑ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐
๐ฐ๐ฒ๐น๐น๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ
by Bernadeth Sambajon
โPass-in-Review!โ
As the command ripped through the air, the heavy silence of the DEBESMSCAT grounds was instantly replaced by the rhythmic, thunderous cadence of boots striking the earth. Under the relentless, scorching heat of the sun on April 12, 2026, the ground transformed into a stage of grit and glory. With every synchronized step, the dry soil rose in clouds, leaving the air dusty and thick โ a hazy veil that swirled around the sharp silhouettes of the marching cadets.
The spectacle was so compelling that it drew a crowd; fellow students paused their busy schedules to watch in awe, and even casual bystanders stopped in their tracks, mesmerized by the impeccable sight of cadets in pristine white shirts formally tucked into their pants, their hair tidy and neat, moving in perfect harmony.
This was the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI), the ultimate crucible for the Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) Reserve Officersโ Training Corps (ROTC) unit.
Success of this caliber is never accidental. It is rooted in the parched drill sequences and the sun-baked afternoons spent perfecting every salute. The jump from last yearโs 87% to an outstanding 90.76% proved that the unit is on a steady trajectory of growth. It was a clear signal that the culture of excellence at DEBESMSCAT is thriving, even under the most demanding conditions.
For the uninitiated, RAATI is the โfinal examโ of the ROTC world. Conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines through the 5th Regional Community Defense Group (5RCDG), it is a comprehensive evaluation of a unitโs administrative management and tactical proficiency. To ensure a standard of absolute excellence, a distinguished inspection team โ including LTC Dennis A. Santos GSC (INF) PA, MAJ Oliver V. Usog (INF) PA, CPT Krescelle A. Renoblas (FS) PA, and CPT Aidan N. Sulapas (QMS) PA โ conducted a thorough and uncompromising evaluation of every cadet and record.
Behind the polished buckles and the sharp โEyes Rightโ lies a story of pure grit. The tiredness and efforts of the students involved and faculty didnโt go in vain. Every drop of sweat that hit the dusty ground during those weeks of rigorous training served a purpose. For the student-cadets balancing heavy academic loads with military drills, the stellar results made the journey worth all the effort.
This monumental achievement is a triumph that deserves to be wreathed in laurels and celebrated with the highest of honors, for it reflects the heart of a true patriot. Yet, even in victory, the cadets remain humble, carrying the spirit of true service to the community in their hearts. They understand that their rank is not just a trophy, but a responsibility to the people they vowed to protect.
These brave hearts recognize the hands that tap their shoulders in encouragement โ the people behind their success, their steadfast co-cadets who marched beside them in the trenches, and the mentors who tirelessly honed their skills into the sharp edge of excellence.
College President Dr. Arnel B. Millesca captured this sentiment perfectly, reaffirming his commitment to the program. By prioritizing ROTC, the administration recognizes that DEBESMSCAT is more than just a school; it is a domicile where transformation begins.
The unitโs victory was bolstered by a โfull forceโ display of institutional support. Standing tall alongside the cadets were Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Elreen A. Delavin; Vice President for Research, Extension, Innovation, Knowledge Management and Creative Works, Dr. Rodolfo B. Burac Jr.; National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director, Uranus E. Cantoria; and ROTC Component Coordinator, Wilfred C. Pagorogon. Ensuring the safety of these dedicated hearts, the DEBESMSCAT Red Cross College Youth Council was ever-present, standing by with vigilant eyes and ready hands to provide medical support amidst the sweltering heat. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that the path to the top is paved by a community that believes in the potential of its youth.
The inspection, led by COL Ronie T. Ebarita, was more than a formal check-up; it was a fruitful harvest of discipline. As the dust settled and the final scores were tallied, DEBESMSCAT stood alone at the top โ the number one ROTC unit in the entire province of Masbate.
The tired faces of the cadets, streaked with sweat and dust, eventually broke into smiles of victory. They have set a benchmark that echoes across the region, proving once again that when passion meets discipline, the result is legendary.
Truly, basta Debesian, Dabest yan! Snappy Salute to the Pride of Masbate!
Note: Some photos used in this article were sourced from the official DEBESMSCAT page.