President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has promoted Christine Pauline Bergaño-Diciano, the first female pilot of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), to the rank of commodore—the highest promotion for a female officer in PCG history.
The announcement, made Saturday, follows a recommendation by Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon. Bergaño-Diciano has served the Coast Guard since 2005 and made her inaugural flight in 2006.
Throughout her career, she has led critical aerial missions, including delivering medical supplies to remote areas during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2010, she became the only female commander of a PCG Air Station operating under the West Philippine Sea’s Oplan Matatag.
Internationally, she was named the first Asian vice president of the World Maritime University’s Women’s Association in Sweden in 2014.
In 2022, she assumed leadership of the Coast Guard Aviation Force and began advocating for inclusivity, pushing for Muslim female personnel to be allowed to wear hijabs—a move lauded by the UN Human Rights Council.
Bergaño-Diciano also held various leadership positions within PCG, including in logistics, human resources, and training. She currently heads the Gender and Development unit and was recently honored with the “Pilak Award” for her contributions to women’s advancement in the service.
She continues to inspire with her message: “Own your journey. Cultivate passion and compassion. Support each other with heart, kindness, and inspiration.”