Major General Alvin Luzon, Commander of the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division, Philippine Army, led the inauguration of a newly constructed administration building and covered court for the 39th Infantry (Smash Eagle) Battalion in Barangay Asbang, Matanao, Davao del Sur, on October 24, 2026.
Davao del Sur Lone District Representative Hon. John Tracy Cagas co-led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a press release issued by the 10th Infantry Division and received via Viber on October 25, 2026.
Senior Officers and Officials Attend Ceremony
Also present at the inauguration were Brigadier General Apollo Jun Lamaton, Commander of the 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Hector Estolas, the Commanding Officer of the 39th Infantry Battalion.
The event included a Talk to Troops session, the mustering of the 1101st Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion, and a ceremonial tree-planting activity, the 10ID press release stated.
Cagas Cites Soldiers' Sacrifices in Matanao
Representative Cagas reflected on the security challenges the area faced in the past and acknowledged the sacrifices of Army personnel who served in the community. He expressed hope that the continued presence of the 39th IB would help sustain peace and support local development.
"Ang mga sundalo sa 39IB, atong mga amigo ug igsoon. Kung atong hunahunaon, daghan sa ilang mga opisyal ug sundalo ang nagsakripisyo sa ilang kinabuhi aron mapanalipdan ang Barangay Asbang ug ang Munisipyo sa Matanao," Cagas said.
The statement, delivered in Cebuano, translates roughly to: the soldiers of the 39IB are friends and brothers, and many of their officers and troops sacrificed their lives to protect Barangay Asbang and the Municipality of Matanao.
Division Commander Calls for Accountability and Excellence
In his message, Maj. Gen. Luzon challenged the battalion to maximize and properly maintain the new facilities, describing them as vital assets for operational readiness, discipline, and excellence in service. He also expressed appreciation to partner government agencies that supported the construction project.
"A strong camp must produce a stronger unit. A stronger unit must deliver better service. And better service must result in greater security and lasting peace for our people," Luzon said, according to the 10ID press release.
Functions of the Administration Building and Covered Court
The new administration building will provide dedicated space for command and control, planning, coordination, and mission preparation, the 10ID stated. The covered court is intended to support physical fitness activities, unit training, and community engagements.
Both facilities are also expected to serve as a mobilization venue for operations and disaster response efforts in Davao del Sur, according to the press release.
Facilities Tied to Territorial Defense Preparations
The 10ID said the inauguration reflects the division's continuing commitment to strengthening unit readiness and sustaining partnerships with local government units and other stakeholders in support of peace, security, and development within its area of responsibility.
The press release further stated that the new facilities contribute to the Division's preparations for Territorial Defense Operations (TDO), specifically in strengthening unit capabilities, integrating the Reserve Force, and enhancing personnel readiness and mobilization in response to evolving territorial defense requirements.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the 10th Infantry Division, Philippine Army