Two young Filipinas are set to graduate from the prestigious United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) on Wednesday, May 19.
Daisy Anne Atayan and Dianne Shaira Basuel are the first female Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sponsored cadets under the Coast Guard Cadetship program.
In 2015, the PCG has started sending young Filipinos to the USCGA “to give them the best Coast Guard education and training,” in preparation for the establishment of a first-class Cadet Corps in the Philippines.
Antayan, who entered the Academy in 2017, still remembered the “challenging” question of US Coast Guard officer during her interview for the exchange program.
“The officer asked me: ‘graduating as a 21-year-old Ensign, how would you be able to carry out the many responsibilities of a junior officer?’ My response was that my education at the Academy will help cultivate my leadership and collaboration expertise, allowing me to become a more sympathetic and dedicated officer," Atayan shared.
The young Filipina also expressed gratitude to the PCG for allowing her to become a “role model for future female leaders.”
“My advice to young women who dream to become Coast Guard officers do not lose hope and always remember that anything is possible when you put your heart into your work," Antayan added.
Meanwhile, Basuel felt honored and proud to be part of the history as one of the first female PCG-sponsored cadets in the Academy.
"The encouragement, dedication, and support of everyone I met here at the USCGA molded me to be a leader of character who exemplifies the Coast Guard's core values," Basuel said.
“To the PCG, thank you for believing in me. Your confidence and trust in me motivated me to perform my duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability. I am looking forward to be at the Coast Guard service," she added.
On Wednesday, May 19, Basuel and Atayan, together with their fellow PCG-sponsored cadets Eric Joseph Noble and Genison Basilio, will formally graduate from the Academy.
Their commencement exercises will be graced by US President Joe Biden.