MANILA, April 5 -- 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...