From SLU cum laude to Navy's Top 3: Kalinga son makes waves as Navy officer

FEATURE

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – From earning Latin honors in college to standing among the country's promising young naval officers, Ensign Jethro Laguicao Ewos continues to prove that excellence is not a one-time achievement but a commitment carried wherever life's journey leads.

The Kalinga-born officer has added another milestone to his growing list of accomplishments after placing third overall in the Philippine Navy's Naval Officer Basic Course Class 61 and earning the highest grade in one of its major modules.

Ewos received the distinctions during the course's graduation ceremony on October 26, 2026, at the Mabini Theatre of the Officers Schools Center, Naval Station Leovigildo Gantiokui, San Antonio, Zambales.

Beyond securing third place among the course graduates, he distinguished himself in Module 5: Junior Staff Administration, where he earned the highest grade, according to his Certificate of Recognition.

For Ewos, the achievement marks another step forward in a journey shaped by perseverance, discipline, and a determination to serve the country.

His success in the basic course is not his first recognition in military training. In July 2025, he also graduated from Naval Officer Candidate Course Class 45, placing among the Top 20 out of 139 naval officer candidates, according to his cousin, Rona Ewos Canao.

Even before entering military service, Ewos had already demonstrated his academic excellence.

He completed his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree at Saint Louis University (SLU) in Baguio City, graduating cum laude as part of the university's Batch 2024.

From the university halls of Baguio to the demanding training grounds of the Philippine Navy, his journey reflects a continuing pursuit of excellence in two different but equally challenging fields.

Ewos traces his roots to Bulanao Centro, Tabuk City, and Lower Mangali, Tanudan, Kalinga. He is the son of retired Police Senior Master Sergeant Dencio A. Ewos and Teacher VI Aurelia L. Ewos.

His latest accomplishment adds to the growing list of iKalingas who have chosen military service as their way of contributing to the nation.

For Kalinga, the achievement is more than another distinction earned by one of its sons. It is also a reminder that the province's young people can carry their talents, discipline, and values beyond their hometowns and excel in national service.

Governor James S. Edduba has reminded Kalinga's military graduates to carry the province's core values of Paniyaw, Ngilin, and Bain (PNB) wherever their duties take them.

The governor emphasized that serving the country also means upholding the values, identity, and heritage of the communities that shaped them.

As Ewos continues his journey in the Philippine Navy, his accomplishments stand as an inspiration to fellow iKalingas, particularly young people aspiring to pursue careers in public service.

From a cum laude graduate of Saint Louis University to a top-performing naval officer, Ewos shows that the pursuit of excellence does not end with a diploma or a military rank. It continues through every challenge, responsibility, and opportunity to serve.