(Manila Bulletin) Four young Filipino cadets graduated from the prestigious United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) on Wednesday, May 19, where US President Joe Biden as the guest of honor and speaker. The USCGA Class of 2021 is composed of 240 new graduates, including seven international students from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Georgia.
First-class Filipino cadets Genison Basilio, Eric Joseph Noble, Daisy Anne Atayan, and Dianne Shaira Basuel are Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sponsored cadets under the Coast Guard Cadetship program. The Filipino graduates are set to commence their Coast Guard training and service in the Philippine waters. During his speech, US President Joe Biden challenged the newly graduates “to be the future” in the changing world.
“The world is changing. We need you even more. It’s time for you to go out and be the future, to make the future,” Biden said in the USCGA’s 140th commencement exercises in New London, Connecticut. Biden also expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the support of the parents and families for raising “young people of incredible courage and determination.”
“We must continue to model responsible maritime behavior and uphold clear rules of international agreements that will protect and steward this pristine environment and secure it for future generations,” Biden said. During the ceremony, PCG District Palawan Commander Commodore Genito Basilio accompanied his son Genison, as Biden handed over his diploma… Read More
