Three Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cadets have been accepted to the prestigious United States Coast Guard (USCG) Academy and now have a chance to train with other exemplary students from all parts of the world.

([Standing in front, L-R] Cadets Princess Kristel Carreon, Kirsten Heather Reyes, and Daniel Francis Sales sign their scholarship contracts at the Philippine Coast Guard National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on May 17, 2023 with Adm. Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, and other ranking officials after they qualified for the US Coast Guard Academy International Cadetship Program. Courtesy of PCG)
 
Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, said cadets Princess Kristel Carreon, 19, from Opol, Misamis Oriental; Kirsten Heather Reyes, 18, from Mandaluyong City; and Daniel Francis Sales, 20, from Las Piñas City will be part of the USCG Academy International Cadetship Program Class of 2027.

Carreon, Reyes, and Sales took their oath and signed their scholarship contracts at the PCG National Headquarters in Port Area, Manila on Wednesday, May 17.

Their training at the USCG Academy in Connecticut, USA will start next month and will last for four years or until 2027.

During the ceremony, Abu challenged the PCG cadets to “bravely embrace the challenges” they will encounter at the USCG Academy.

"Never give up. Don't quit! Kapag nandoon na kayo (If you are already there), keep the flag of the PCG soaring high. Make our country, our fellow Filipinos, and the entire PCG organization proud," the PCG Commandant expressed.

Meanwhile, USCG Commander Bien Decena, US Embassy in the Philippines maritime advisor, ensured the cadets’ families and loved ones that the students “would be in good hands and company throughout their training.”

The USCGA is one of the five federal service academies in the US. It offers a four-year international cadetship program with an intensive undergraduate curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. 

Its curriculum is weighted heavily toward mathematics, science and engineering courses. The academy offers nine major degrees focusing on civil engineering, cyber-systems, electrical engineering, government, management, marine and environmental sciences, mechanical engineering, naval architecture and marine engineering, and operations research and data analytics.

The program also consists of formal classroom training in subjects such as navigation and law enforcement supplemented by summer programs that include general shipboard and aviation training, seagoing experience aboard the USCG training ship Barque Eagle, military training, and other operational experience.

After qualifying for the cadetship program, Carreon, Reyes, and Sales will become regular cadets at the USCG Academy throughout their four-year training. They will receive financial support to cover their tuition fees, monthly payments, allowances, accommodation, transportation costs, and government benefits.

Upon graduation, they will be commissioned into the PCG as ensigns and will render a minimum eight years of continuous active service.