DAVAO CITY (January 28) — The 10th Infantry Division (10ID) marked a milestone in gender equality after the 25th Infantry Battalion (25IB) designated 1st Lieutenant Grace Angela Pocyoy as commander of Charlie Company, making her the first woman to lead an infantry company in the history of both the battalion and the division.
Pocyoy has served in various field and staff assignments within the 25IB, gaining operational experience in community security operations and internal peace and security missions in the 10ID’s area of responsibility, military officials said.
Prior to her designation as company commander, she held junior leadership and platoon-level posts, where she was cited by superiors for her discipline, tactical competence, and ability to lead troops in challenging terrain and security conditions.
“I am honored by the trust given to me and fully aware of the responsibility that comes with leading an infantry company,” Pocyoy said. “I will continue to serve with professionalism, discipline, and commitment to the mission and to the soldiers under my command.”
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Serapion Lagud Jr., acting commanding officer of the 25IB, said the appointment reflects the unit’s full confidence in Pocyoy’s leadership and readiness to assume command.
“The battalion continues to uphold professionalism and discipline. Leaders are chosen based on their capability to accomplish the mission and safeguard the community,” Lagud said.
Major General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10ID, described the designation as a clear manifestation of a merit-based and inclusive military culture within the Philippine Army.
“Leadership in the Philippine Army is defined by competence, integrity, and the ability to lead soldiers in demanding conditions—not by gender,” Luzon said, adding that empowering qualified women leaders strengthens operational effectiveness and supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ vision of a modern, people-centered force.
The 10ID said the appointment aligns with national Gender and Development (GAD) policies and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equal opportunities in leadership development, training, and command assignments across its units.
