The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recognizes DAISY ANNE ATAYAN — one of the two first female PCG-sponsored cadets who will officially graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) on 19 May 2021!
Daisy Atayan entered the Academy in 2017 when she was only 17 years old. Four years later, she still remembered the challenging question a U.S. Coast Guard officer asked her during her interview for the USCGA international 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.
“Looking back, I was right. I will forever be grateful to the Academy for giving me opportunities for self-growth and development. It is now time to apply this knowledge and become the catalyst for change I wish to create,” she added.
Daisy Anne will be joined by her fellow first female PCG-sponsored cadet, Dianne Shaira Basuel on the commencement exercises, as well as Eric Joseph Noble and Genison Basilio.
“I am also grateful to the PCG for allowing me to become a role model for future female leaders. My advice to young women who dream to become CG officers: Do not lose hope and always remember that anything is possible when you put your heart into your work,” she furthered.
The PCG Cadetship Program is part of the Command’s vision of establishing a first-class Cadet Corps as a precursor to the establishment of the PCG Academy in the near future.
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