Rear Admiral Mitzel Silva-Campo has made history as the first woman to be promoted to the rank of two-star general in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the agency announced on Sunday. Her formal oath-taking is scheduled for Monday, March 31, 2025.
Silva-Campo, a standout graduate of the Coast Guard Officers Course Class-1 Charlie “Makagitaw,” previously broke barriers in 2021 as the PCG’s first female one-star general among general line officers. Over the years, she has held several key roles, including Coast Guard Inspector General, Coast Guard Adjutant, and Commander of the Doctrine, Development, and Research Command.
Reflecting on her journey, Silva-Campo shared, “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.”
Her academic achievements include a Juris Doctor from Cor Jesu College in Digos City and a Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, specializing in Maritime Law and Policy, from the World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. She also completed international training in Japan and Australia and is a fellow at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Silva-Campo’s groundbreaking promotion is seen as a milestone not just for the Coast Guard, but for women in military and maritime service across the Philippines.