By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has been appointed as Auxiliary Vice Admiral of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), making her the first female Cabinet member under the Marcos administration to hold a three-star rank in the organization.
Pangandaman received the new title during the donning and oath-taking ceremony led by PCG Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan at the DBM’s central office in Manila on Friday.
“I am optimistic that this feat will inspire more women to step forward, lead, and make a lasting impact,” Pangandaman said in a DBM press release on Saturday.
The PCGA, the civilian volunteer arm of the PCG, recognized Pangandaman and 12 other DBM officials for their significant support of its humanitarian initiatives.
They were awarded the PCGA Merit Medal and Ribbon for contributions to medical and dental missions and various community programs.
The DBM noted that the PCGA serves as one of the core members of the Dugtong Buhay Movement, a humanitarian initiative Pangandaman has founded, promoting voluntary blood donation.
As one of the core members of the initiative, the PCGA provides donors and medical teams who can assist in screening donors, allowing the movement to collect more than 3,300 units of blood.
“The DBM and the PCG are not just collaborators in governance – we are family, bound by the same mission to uphold the welfare of our nation, serve our people, and create a more secure and resilient Philippines,” Pangandaman said.
“Together, we are saving lives, giving hope, and extending a helping hand to those who need it most – a true reflection of public service with a heart. For this, we hold the Philippine Coast Guard in deep admiration and proudly stand with you, united as equals in governance and committed members of the Auxiliary.”
She also thanked the PCGA for empowering more women to take on leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated fields.
To date, about 15,000 women have joined the PCG, 4,200 of them are Muslims.
Gavan congratulated Pangandaman and shared how proud he was as a fellow Mindanaoan.
“I can move forward being a Mindanaoan seeing my fellow Mindanaoan wearing the highest rank that we can give to the PCGA, roaming around the country, spreading inspiration that not only men can perform jobs usually dominated by men,” he said.
During the ceremony, other DBM officials were also promoted and recognized by the PCGA for their exemplary service and willingness to go beyond their duties and responsibilities.
DBM Undersecretaries Wilford Will Wong and Goddess Hope Libiran were promoted to Auxiliary Rear Admirals of the PCGA, while Assistant Secretaries Diana Camacho-Mercado and Ramon Vicente Asuncion were appointed as new members of the PCGA Executive Squadron, with the honorary rank of Auxiliary Commodore.
“Your hard work and exemplary service are a testament to the values we hold dear at the Department of Budget and Management,” Pangandaman told the promoted DBM officers. (PNA)
