The Philippine Coast Guard on Sunday hailed the appointment of Rear Admiral Mitzie Silva-Campo as the first-ever female two-star general to lead the organization, marking the culmination of National Women’s Month.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. approved Silva-Campo's appointment on 25 March 2025.

In October 2021, then-Commodore Silva-Campo made history as the first female one-star general among Coast Guard general line officers.

She was one of the top graduates of the Coast Guard Officers Course Class-1 Charlie-“Makagitaw.”

Silva-Campo earned her Juris Doctor degree from Cor Jesu College in Digos City and completed her Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, specializing in Maritime Law and Policy, at the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden (Class of 2009).

Her expertise was further 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).

As a distinguished fellow of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, Silva-Campo was honored to serve as Commencement Speaker in the Comprehensive Security Course Class 01-23, representing a class of 81 participants from 30 countries.

She started her career as a commissioned officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines before transitioning to the PCG.

She held several key positions within the PCG, including her designation as the first female Inspector General of the Coast Guard Inspector General-Internal Affairs Service, Coast Guard Adjutant, and Commander of the Coast Guard Doctrine, Development, and Research Command.

Silva-Campo served as the Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff (DCCS) for Maritime Security Law Enforcement (CG-14) and DCCS for Education and Training (CG-12) and as Operations Officer of the then Coast Guard Operating Forces (CGOF). She was also seconded to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), where she served as Chief of Staff to the Undersecretary for Operations.

Silva-Campo was assigned to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia – Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP-ISC) in Singapore, where she served for more than three years.

Throughout her career, she has made significant contributions to advancing gender equality and women empowerment in the maritime sector.

She actively takes part in various forums for Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) programs as a speaker and a panelist.

She also currently serves as a mentor under the Philippine WPS Network’s Program of the Axxelerate, Engendering Peace and Security, in partnership with the Government of Canada.

Her leadership has earned her national and international recognition, including the World Empowered Women Icon Award at the 2023 Global Women Empowerment Summit held in Singapore, a Plaque of Recognition from the Department of Migrant Workers, and the title “Natatanging Juana ng Tanod Baybayin ng Pilipinas-Ginto.”

She was also featured in WMU Voices, the official publication of the World Maritime University, which highlighted four decades of leadership and impact through alumni stories.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan congratulated Silva-Campo for creating a historic milestone and serving as a true asset in the maritime sector.

“She stands as proof that a woman can rise to lead with excellence, break barriers, and help move a nation forward,” he said.

Gavan also reiterated the PCG’s strong commitment to women's empowerment by providing equal opportunities for both men and women in service.

For her part, Silva-Campo said she views leadership as both a privilege and a responsibility—one that is earned through trust, built on hard work, and proven through service.

"Because at the end of the day, it's never about the rank. It is about how well you lead, how much you serve, and how deeply you care," she further said.