THE 10TH Infantry Division strengthened its regional disaster response capabilities following a ceremonial handover of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) equipment to the 11th Regional Community Defense Group (11RCDG) at Camp San Gabriel in Mintal, Davao City, on Oct. 21.
MGEN Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10ID, served as the guest of honor and speaker during the event, which underscored the collaboration between military forces and humanitarian organizations in building resilient communities.
The donated HADR equipment was turned over by Latter-day Saints Charities Southeast Asia Incorporated, represented by Anthony John Palleos, through the joint efforts of the 11RCDG led by group commander COL Calixto Cadano Jr. A formal deed of donation was signed during the ceremony to solidify the humanitarian partnership.
The new equipment aims to bolster the reserve unit’s capacity to deliver immediate emergency assistance and support relief operations during natural calamities across the region.
During his address, Luzon emphasized that inter-agency collaboration is essential to effective disaster management.
“When we unite our resources, expertise, and commitment to service, we strengthen our collective ability to protect lives, assist affected communities, and build resilience in times of crisis,” Luzon said.
He also stressed the necessity of proper maintenance, accountability, and responsible utilization of the donated gear to ensure continuous serviceability during future emergency deployments.
The equipment turnover aligns with the 10ID’s broader mandate under the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Operations framework, allowing the division to sustain its Internal Security Operations gains and execute External Security Operations while maintaining robust HADR readiness.
The 10ID continues to deploy troops for ongoing disaster response operations following a recent 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Southern Mindanao, as well as subsequent flash floods and landslides.
Additionally, the division is actively supporting rehabilitation initiatives in Sarangani Province, constructing temporary shelters in Glan and Malapatan under the provincial government’s “Bangon Glan” program.