DBM PRESS RELEASE
In recognition of her invaluable service and dedication to upholding the values of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman becomes the first female member of the Cabinet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to be promoted to Auxiliary Vice Admiral (AUX VADM).
The Budget Chief, who is also the only female member of the country’s Economic Team, was promoted as a 3-star officer during the promotion, awarding, donning, and oath-taking ceremony of PCGA Officials from DBM on April 4, 2025. This is the highest rank that can be given to a member of the PCGA.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), through the PCGA as its volunteer force, has been a steadfast ally of the DBM in its conduct of the Dugtong Buhay Movement, an initiative founded by Secretary Pangandaman to promote voluntary blood donation.
As one of the core members of the initiative, the PCGA provides donors and medical teams that can assist in screening donors. Because of this, the Movement has already collected over 3,300 units of blood.
“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 (PCG) in deep admiration and proudly stand with you, united as equals in governance and committed members of the Auxiliary,” AUX VADM Pangandaman said.
The 3-star officer also thanked the PCGA for allowing more women to excel in fields once dominated by men. Currently, 15,000 women stand alongside men in the PCG. Notably, 4,200 are Muslims.
“I am optimistic that this feat will inspire more women to step forward, lead, and make a lasting impact,” she added.
In his closing remarks, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan congratulated Secretary Pangandaman: “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.”
The ceremony also recognized the contributions of other DBM officials who were promoted and awarded by the PCGA for continuously serving the Filipino people even beyond their duties and responsibilities in the Department.
Undersecretary for Local Government and Regional Operations Wilford Will L. Wong and Undersecretary for Media Affairs and Community Relations Goddess Hope O. Libiran were promoted to Auxiliary Rear Admirals (AUX RADM) of the PCGA.
In his opening remarks, AUX RADM Wong encouraged other community members to join the Auxiliary and emphasized that being a member of the PCGA is just as important as being a member of the PCG itself.
Meanwhile, DBM Assistant Secretary for Advocacy, Capacity Development, Economic Affairs, and Stakeholder Relations Group Diana C. Camacho-Mercado and Assistant Secretary for Internal Management Ramon Vicente B. Asuncion were both 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,” the Budget Chief told the promoted officers.
Secretary Pangandaman and 12 other DBM officials were also awarded the PCGA Merit Medal and Ribbon for their outstanding contributions to the PCGA mission through their leadership in DBM’s dental and medical missions and other community programs.
The ceremony was led by PCG Commandant Gavan and Coast Guard Adjutant Commander (CDR) Jaysiebell B. Ferrer with Ensign (ENS) Frances Doren Balboa-Baterbonia who served as the Master of Ceremonies.
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