MAJOR General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, challenged the 45 newly assigned second lieutenants to balance tactical excellence with a deep concern for the soldiers under their command.
The commander’s message served as the capstone of a four-day campaign orientation from Jan. 20 to 23, designed to immerse the junior officers in the operational realities of the Division’s area of responsibility, spanning Davao de Oro, Sarangani, and Davao City.
“Master your profession, sharpen your skills, and strive for excellence—but never forget the people you lead,” Luzon told the officers. “Leadership is built on trust, connection, and presence. Mission first, people always.”
Shift to external security
A significant portion of the orientation focused on the evolving security landscape. During visits to the 1001st, 1002nd, and 1003rd Infantry Brigades, the lieutenants were briefed on the 10ID’s transition toward external security operations.
Brigade commanders emphasized a focus on border and coastal awareness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and maintaining vigilance against emerging external threats to local stability.
The young officers gained firsthand exposure to command-and-control mechanisms and counterinsurgency operations.
The orientation stressed the pivotal role of platoon leaders in diverse settings—from the hinterlands to urban centers like Davao City, where they received specialized briefings from Task Force Davao and the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (11RCDG).
Luzon also urged the officers to adopt the AGILA command philosophy —Accountability, Growth, Integrity, Loyalty, and Achievement through Excellence—as their professional blueprint.
