A full-blooded Igorot, who once failed to enter the academy on his first try last 2015, ended as the Top 1 in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) “Sinaglakan” Class of 2021.
In an interview, 23-year-old Ensign Gian Clyde Busacay Bagano said that there is no explicit word that could describe the mixed emotions he felt when he received the information, saying, "I was so excited that I almost cried in joy.”
Gian Clyde is the eldest son of Noryn and Fr. Claudio Bagano, a priest of an Anglican Church.
He grew up as the ‘wingman’ of his father, partaking in the Christian Missions of the church and the Diocese. “Dimmakel nak ijay simbaan almost araw- araw ada nak ti simbaan. Nakisalsali nak met lang ti dadduma nga youth camp ken Christian fellowships,” he recalled.
CDT Bagano was raised in Kalinga and finished his secondary education as part of the Science Section at Tabuk City National High school. Some time in high school, he used to be called by his mates as “Padi/Father.” When asked if he ever thought of joining the seminary, he said no because being with the PMMA has always been his first choice and dream.
Graduating from high school, he tried his luck to enter the academy but was disqualified for being underage. Though disappointed, he entered the College of Architecture at Saint Louis University in Baguio, stating that his high school teacher in Drafting Class, Shodi Mangida inspired him to pursue the course.
However, though he was working hard pursuing architecture for two years, he felt that PMMA was meant for him, so he followed his guts and made the dream into reality.
“Inpadas ko ulit nag-exam ket fortunately nakapasa met piman. I have no regrets in choosing PMMA over Architecture, because of PMMA, adu ti opportunities a naited kanyak ken adu nga experiences, ken mas lalo nak na-expose ti lubong,” the cadet said.
Without any hesitations or doubts, he entered the academy on July 1 of 2017. He said, “Nu kaya dagidiay kakadwak a maka-survive ket awan rasun ko a haan ko makaya met, mas lalaingek lang kesa knyada.” He was a skinny tall guy who is likely to get sick but, he is goal-driven and inspired by the thought that other cadets have survived the academy so can he.
Inside the academy, the cadet shared that his family kept him motivated and inspired for wanting to give them a good life that they deserve. He is also grateful for his seniors, his batch, and his friends who encouraged and supported him in times when he faces challenges. He also talked of a special someone who had been on his side to listen to his rants and problems.
The fruits of his challenges
From homesickness, adjusting to military discipline and tough trainings, Bagano recalled that one of the greatest challenges was taking responsibility of leading a whole corps of midshipman, “Narigat gayam ti agpasunod ti tao. Dapat careful ka met lang ti amin a garaw mo ta bassit a kamali ket agsubli metlang kenyam.”
“Ti inkastak tapnu maka-focus nak ket nu oras ti academics, diay isip ko for academics lang, han ko is-isipen ti training. Tapos nu oras met (ti) training mi or diay daily routine mi, ituttutok ko lang idiay, haan ko a bibibyangan ti academics tapnu haan nak nga ag-mental exhaustion.”
Conquering these challenges made him earned awards during the PMMA graduation ceremony on July 28, 2021, at San Narciso, Zambales. Aside from being the Top 1 in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation, he was also bestowed the Academic Excellence Award, Deck Apprenticeship Award, Regimental Security Officer, Silent Drill Company Member, Star Cadet, and Quiz Bee team leader.
He is now focused on his expected international voyages while keeping his options open to someday enrol in a law school or secure a job in the government to serve the country and the PMMA.
As a message to other aspiring cadets, Bagano said, “We are all born to succeed, not to fail. We are all born to win, not to lose. We are all born to reach the top, not to sink at the bottom. But it all depends on how we treat ourselves, how we teach ourselves and how we enjoy our one life as it is.”
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