Meet Victoria Gil Regalado, a Filipina graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy.
VICTORIA GIL REGALADO – The 21-year-old student from Iligan City made history as the first Filipina to graduate with a specialized degree from the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut, on May 22. Regalado not only earned a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering but also graduated magna cum laude.
Regalado is the second Filipina to graduate from the prestigious academy. She previously attended the Philippine Science High School Central Mindanao Campus in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Her journey to success began when she was selected as an international cadet by the Philippine Coast Guard under the USCGA’s International Cadetship Program. This program aims to enhance international cooperation and provide advanced training to future maritime leaders from around the globe.
Through the program, the USCGA invites and trains cadets from allied nations, including the Philippines, alongside American cadets. Regalado’s achievement highlights the opportunities provided by international educational collaborations and underscores her exceptional academic and leadership capabilities.
Meanwhile, the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) stands as a distinguished federal service academy situated in New London, Connecticut. As one of the five federal service academies in the United States, its primary aim is to educate, train, and cultivate leaders of character who are poised to serve as commissioned officers in the U.S. Coast Guard.
At the core of its mission is the preparation of graduates who are equipped to tackle maritime challenges while upholding the nation’s security and safety. The academy offers a comprehensive four-year Bachelor of Science degree program, encompassing majors such as Engineering, Management, Marine and Environmental Sciences, and Operations Research and Computer Analysis.
Alongside rigorous academic pursuits, cadets undergo intensive military training to instill leadership, discipline, and a strong sense of duty. Admission to the USCGA is fiercely competitive, requiring candidates to showcase exceptional academic performance, physical fitness, and leadership potential, with no congressional nomination needed, unlike other service academies.