LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday extolled Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan from Baybay City, Leyte for topping the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Silang-Paglaom” Class of 2026.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan of Baybay City, Leyte, for emerging as the valedictorian of the Philippine National Police Academy ‘Silang-Paglaom’ Class of 2026,” Romualdez said.
Her feat, Romualdez said, marks “a proud moment for Leyte and for the entire Eastern Visayas,” underscoring the “excellence, discipline and character” behind her achievement.
Cagasan who led the PNPA 2026 batch of 326 cadets, received the distinguished Presidential Kampilan Award, the PNP chief’s Kampilan Award, and recognition as Best in General Education.
Beyond the accolades, Romualdez cited to the deeper story behind the achievement.
“A promise to her late mother helped carry her through the hardest years of cadet life, and that private grief became the fuel for a very public triumph, one that now stands as an inspiration for young people in Leyte and across the country,” Romualdez added.
He said Cagasan’s journey reflects resilience shaped by hardship and purpose.
“Van Marie’s journey gives people something deeper to hold on to because it shows what can rise from pain when it is met with resolve, faith and a sense of duty,” Romualdez said.
“Leyte takes pride in her not only because she finished first, but because she carried to the top a story shaped by loss, perseverance and the quiet strength to keep moving forward when life became most difficult,” he said.
The House leader also recognized the role of Visayas State University (VSU) in Cagasan’s formation prior to entering the PNPA.
“I also extend my congratulations to Visayas State University, which helped shape Van Marie before she entered the academy,” he said.
Cagasan previously took up Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at VSU as a Department of Agriculture scholar.
“There is something deeply meaningful in the fact that a university long known for agriculture and science also helped produce a future police officer whose life story now speaks of courage, duty and sacrifice,” Romualdez said.
“This shows that when a school is serious about shaping the mind and character, what it gives to the people are not just graduates but leaders with dignity, care and a heart to serve,” Romualdez said.
