The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on March 30 the appointment of Rear Admiral Mitzie Silva-Campo as its first-ever female two-star admiral, a landmark achievement coinciding with the culmination of National Women’s Month.

Her promotion, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on March 25, underscores the Coast Guard’s commitment to gender equality and leadership excellence in the maritime sector.

Silva-Campo formally took her oath before Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on March 31, marking another defining moment in her illustrious career.

Trailblazer in maritime leadership

Silva-Campo’s latest promotion continues a series of groundbreaking achievements. In October 2021, she made history as the first female one-star admiral among PCG general line officers. Now, she defies expectations once again, becoming the first woman to hold the rank of rear admiral within the organization.

Her rise through the ranks is not just a personal victory, it represents a significant step forward for women in maritime law enforcement, a traditionally male-dominated field.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L Gavan hailed her achievement, emphasizing that Silva-Campo’s success is proof of the Coast Guard’s commitment to creating equal opportunities for both men and women in uniform.

Silva-Campo’s credentials extend far beyond her rank. A Juris Doctor graduate of Cor Jesu College in Digos City, she pursued further specialization in maritime law and policy, earning a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs from the prestigious World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden (Class of 2009).

Her expertise in maritime security and law enforcement has been honed through international training programs, including the JICA Ship Safety Inspection Course in Yokohama, Japan (2011), and the Law of the Sea Course at ANCORS, Australia (2021).

Beyond her academic achievements, Silva-Campo has held key leadership roles within the PCG. She was the first female to serve as Inspector General and currently holds the position of Commander of the Coast Guard Internal Audit Service.

She has also played a crucial role in developing PCG policies and training programs, serving as the Coast Guard Adjutant and Commander of the Coast Guard Doctrine, Development, and Research Command.

Furthermore, she has been the deputy chief of Coast Guard Staff for Maritime Security Law Enforcement (CG-14) and deputy chief of Coast Guard Staff for Education and Training (CG-12). Earlier in her career, she was also the operations officer of the then Coast Guard Operating Forces.

Her expertise was further recognized on the global stage when she was assigned to Singapore’s ReCAAP-ISC (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia – Information Sharing Centre), where she served for over three years.

She was also seconded to the Department of Transportation and Communications as chief of staff to the undersecretary for operations, further showcasing her ability to bridge operational and policy-driven leadership.

Champion for women in maritime security

Throughout her career, Silva-Campo has been a fierce advocate for gender equality and an active participant in Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) programs.

She has served as a speaker and panelist in various international forums and is currently a mentor under the Philippine WPS Network’s Program of the Axxelerate, Engendering Peace and Security, in partnership with the Government of Canada.

Since 2020, she has led Philippine delegations in a series of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime initiatives, including the Maritime Law Enforcement Dialogue and the Women in Maritime Law Enforcement, alongside counterparts from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Her dedication to the empowerment of women in the maritime sector has earned her numerous accolades. She was recognized at the 2023 Global Women Empowerment Summit in Singapore, where she received the World Empowered Women Icon Award.

Her work in maritime security and law enforcement also earned her a Plaque of Recognition from the Department of Migrant Workers. In addition, she was honored with the title “Natatanging Juana ng Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas-Ginto,” a distinction highlighting her pioneering contributions to the PCG.

Silva-Campo’s influence extends beyond maritime security. She was featured in WMU Voices, the official publication of the World Maritime University, which celebrated four decades of leadership and impact through alumni stories. Her legacy as a mentor, leader, and advocate for women in security continues to inspire future generations.

Her journey to becoming the first female two-star general in the PCG was not without challenges, but her career stands as proof of perseverance, excellence, and service to the country. According to the PCG, Silva-Campo began her career as a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines before transferring to the Coast Guard, where she continued to break barriers.

From working on maritime security policies to combating piracy in Asia, she has played a crucial role in shaping the PCG’s operational effectiveness both locally and internationally.

She also served as a distinguished fellow at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she was honored as Commencement Speaker in the Comprehensive Security Course Class 01-23, representing 81 participants from 30 countries.

As she takes on this new leadership role, Silva-Campo not only secures her place in history but also paves the way for future generations of women in the maritime sector. Her words serve as a reminder that true leadership is not about rank or titles, but about service, dedication, and the impact one leaves behind.

“Because at the end of the day, it’s never about the rank. It’s about how well you lead, how much you serve, and how deeply you care,” she said.

Photo credit: PCG. Mitzie Silva-Campo, the first-ever female two-star admiral of Philippine Coast Guard.