VICE ADMIRAL (VADM) ROBERT A. EMPEDRAD AFP took the helm of the Philippine Navy on 19 December 2017, becoming the 37th Chief of the Navy.

VADM EMPEDRAD was born on 03 February 1964 to a humble family in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. He began his primary education at Tuguegarao North Central School. He then completed his secondary education at Cagayan National High School, Tuguegarao, Cagayan. He studied Civil Engineering in Saint Louis University, Baguio City before he successfully passed the qualifications for admission to the Philippine Military Academy, Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City in 1982.

VADM EMPEDRAD is a proud member of PMA “Sinagtala” Class of 1986. Aside from the formal education he acquired from PMA, he also studied other specialized courses. He completed Master in Business Administration at Philippine Christian University, Dasmarinas, Cavite City and US Naval Staff Course at US Naval War College, New Port, Rhode Island, USA.

As an accomplished sailor and commander, he was entrusted to be the Commanding Officer of various Philippine Navy vessels such as BRP FELIX APOLINARIO (PG-395), BRP ABRAHAM CAMPO (PG- 396), BRP MAGAT SALAMAT (PS20), BRP ILOILO (PS32) and BRP DAGUPAN CITY (LC 551).

With competence and versatility, he successfully headed the Naval Task Groups of Naval Forces Western Mindanao such as NTG 62, NTG 62.1 and NTG 62.2 and the Naval Task Force Sea Hawk, Naval Task Group 72 of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao which efficiently and effectively responded during the onslaught of Typhoon Pablo. He had also occupied various positions of major responsibility in the Philippine Navy, among which are Chief of Staff of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (2006-2007),Director, Naval Operations Center (2007), Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Intelligence, N2 (2007-2009), Deputy Commander of Naval Intelligence Security Force (2009), Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Personnel, N1 (2009-2011), Deputy Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (2011-2013), Commander, Bonifacio Naval Station (2013-2015), the Commander, Offshore Combat Force, Philippine Fleet (Feb 2015 – Dec 2016),the Deputy, Commander Philippine Fleet (Dec 2016 –Feb 2017) and currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, J9 at General Headquarters, AFP since Feb 2017 up to present.

With proven competency in his career track record, he was designated in various collateral assignments, among these are membership and chairmanship of the different boards of Philippine Navy and the Chairman of Defense Acquisition System Assessment Team (DASAT) which oversees the ongoing upgrades of PN vessels and the Frigate Acquisition project of the PN under the AFP Modernization Program.

As an accomplished surface warfare officer, he received numerous awards as follows; seven (7) Distinguished Service Stars, two (2) Gawad Sa Kaunlaran, two (2) Distinguish Navy Cross, two (2) Bronze Cross Medal, two (2) Military Merit Medals with Spearhead Device, 27 Military Merit Medals, 5 Military Commendation Medals, Numerous Campaign Medals, Civic Action Medals, various badges, plaques and certifications.

As a leader, he is humble and well-disciplined because he listens to his subordinates and fellow officers and is very particular with rules and order of things especially the way a person behaves. Although he is a disciplinarian he is an easy and fun to work with and very approachable too. He stands for what is right. As a person, he is a private and optimistic person.

VADM EMPEDRAD AFP has imbibed and lived by the core values of Courage, Integrity, and Loyalty which had served as the cornerstone of his progressive military career. Above all these, he always trusts God in everything he does. Bob to his friends, is happily married to Blessilda and they are blessed with an only child, Jelome.