Fresh from being named one of this year’s The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) 2025 awardees, Commodore Christine Pauline Bergaño-Diciano of the Philippine Coast Guard returned to her alma mater, La Consolacion College Bacolod, on November 21, 2025, for a homecoming talk that inspired the next generation of LCCians.
Speaking before junior high school, senior high school, and college student leaders at the LCCB Auditorium, Diciano delivered a lecture titled “The Philippine Coast Guard: Nation-Building, Regional Stability, and International Maritime Prominence.”
Diciano, a 1997 high school salutatorian and scholar of LCC Bacolod, reflected on her years as a student leader and performing artist. “I will always be grateful to LCC for shaping my values and character,” she said, recalling mentors, classmates, and experiences that strengthened her faith, discipline, and passion for service.
She shared that the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) actively upholds the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Diciano highlighted that the PCG promotes inclusivity, with members representing diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA+ personnel, solo parents, persons with disabilities, Muslim officers, and their first Aeta Coast Guard officer.
“The Coast Guard welcomes people from all walks of life,” she said. “We are proof that service to the nation knows no gender, faith, or circumstance.”
Diciano also underscored the growing role of women in the organization, noting that the PCG now counts 37,000 women members. She shared stories of female Coast Guard officers excelling in K9 units, maritime operations, search and rescue, and international cooperation—including joint exercises with the U.S. Coast Guard.
She reminded student leaders to “do good, respect others, and always return to the core values of LCCB.” Diciano also emphasized the Coast Guard’s active involvement in disaster preparedness, including assisting schools during emergencies such as bomb threats.
“Empowerment comes from discipline, compassion, and gratitude,” she said. “No matter where life takes you, always bring with you the values that LCC has instilled.”
Diciano concluded her visit with a message of hope and service, encouraging young LCCians to lead with courage, faith, and humility—values that continue to guide her in her journey as one of the nation’s most accomplished women in uniform.
By Mikhail Ivan Muchuelas
Photo: Miguel Soberano