Julius Maguiwe from Mankayan, Benguet, Philippines, is the first ever Igorot officer of the Philippine Coast Guard to graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut, USA.
Maguiwe was sponsored by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and graduated on November 20, 2019 from the prestigious academy.
The Benguet pride finished not only the United States Pistol Sharpshooter with 49/50 hit but also the Physical Fitness Test and earned the highest grade in Survival at Sea among the Officer Indoctrination School 2019.
In an statement, he shared his appreciation to the United States of America for a fulfilled American dream experience and to the PCG for giving him the opportunity to represent the Philippines.
"My sincere gratitude to United States of America for a fulfilled American dream experience... Thank you, PCG. for the trust and confidence for giving me the opportunity to represent the Philippines."
The Mankayan pride also added that he is humbled to be the first ever Igorot to complete a course from the prestigious academy.
"I'm humbled and privileged to be the first Igorot to complete a Course in this Academy, Leadership Development Center... Thank you to all my seniors and leaders out there who inspired me so that I can also inspire others in my own little way."
Back in 2010, Maguiwe was nominated as one of the Outstanding Students in the Cordillera (OSCAR) while studying Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC).
The United States Coast Guard Academy is the service academy of the United States Coast Guard in New London, Connecticut.
Established in 1876, it is the smallest of the five U.S. service academies and provides education to future Coast Guard officers in one of nine major fields of study. Unlike the other service academies, the Coast Guard Academy does not require a congressional nomination for admission.
The mission of the United States Coast Guard Academy is to graduate young men and women with sound bodies, stout hearts and alert minds, with a liking for the sea and its lore, and with that high sense of Honor, Loyalty and Obedience which goes with trained initiative and leadership; well-grounded in seamanship, the sciences and the amenities, and strong in the resolve to be worthy of the traditions of commissioned officers in the United States Coast Guard, in the service of their country and humanity.
