Born in Quezon City, Commandant Vice Admiral Leopoldo V. Laroya PCG began his military career in 1983 when he entered the Philippine Military Academy. Through hard work and discipline, he earned his degree in Bachelor of Science and graduated in the upper percentile of “Maringal” class (number 12 out of 135) in 1988.
His competencies enabled him to expand his educational background when he later pursued his post-graduate degree at World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmo, Sweden — one of the graduate schools of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a United Nation’s organization that specializes in Maritime Affairs. In 2000, he eventually earned his Master of Science Degree in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection (MSc, MSEP).
Prior to his appointment as the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard on 08-September-2021, VADM LAROYA was entrusted with various major positions such as Commander, Maritime Safety Services Command; Commander, Coast Guard Education and Training Command; Commander, Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command; Commander, Coast Guard District Western Visayas; Commander, Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao; Commander, Coast Guard District Northern Luzon; and Commander, Coast Guard District Bicol.
As a seasoned mariner with five years of sea experience, his sea duty tour includes junior billets served onboard the PCG ship “Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas” (BRP) Badjao (AE-59), a lighthouse tender and RPS Catanduanes PG-62, a Motor Gun Boat. He did his Executive Officer tour on board BRP BESANG PASS (AU-100), a search and rescue (SAR) vessel. After such, He successfully earned the most coveted Command-at-Sea badge having commanded two flagships of coast guard search and rescue vessels, namely: BRP Batangas (SARV-004) and BRP Nueva Vizcaya (SARV-3502).
His dedication to service has been reflected through his remarkable achievements and numerous awards received throughout his career. Among the awards conferred to VADM LAROYA are the following: Coast Guard Legion of Honor, Bronze Cross medals, Outstanding Achievement medals, Superior Achievement medals, Coast Guard Search and Rescue medals, Military Merit medals and other numerous medals, ribbons and commendations.
VADM LAROYA’s leadership as Commandant was tested from years of maritime service. In rising up the ranks, he has steered the Philippine Coast Guard with sound decisions as the Agency faced complex endeavors. In 2012, he led Manila’s demilitarization at the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) following the infamous stand-off between the Philippine Navy vessel BRP GREGORIO DEL PILAR and two (2) China Marine Surveillance (CMS) vessels. In 2013, he successfully administered the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao to counter the attack of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels during the Zamboanga siege.
Today, he has been the binding force of every Coast Guard Command, District, Stations, and Sub-Stations. By upholding courage and humility in service, VADM LAROYA weathers various battle fronts at sea and on land, with a more united and dedicated Coast Guard force.
Aside from being an officer and a gentleman, a leader, a manager, an environmentalist, a maritime rescuer, a maritime law enforcer, a maritime safety expert, a security and intelligence specialist, a mariner, an educator, a crisis manager, a strategist, and a visionary, VADM LAROYA is a family man – a loving husband and father, and a God-fearing individual. As the saying goes, “Behind a successful man is a supportive woman and vice versa,” VADM LAROYA’s success is fully supported by his lovely and caring wife, Mrs. Rowena Salomon Laroya.
They are blessed with one child, Lionel Zachary Laroya, a graduate of Bachelor of Science – major in Healthcare Administration and minor in Human Resource Management at the University of California in Long Beach, CA, and is currently employed at the benefits division of California State University-Long Beach (CSULB) while pursuing his Masters in Public Administration.