Leyte: Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday lauded a homegrown achiever from Eastern Visayas after Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan of Baybay City, Leyte topped the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) 'Silang-Paglaom' Class of 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cagasan's achievement marks 'a proud moment for Leyte and for the entire Eastern Visayas,' highlighting the 'excellence, discipline and character' behind her success. Cagasan led a graduating class of 326 cadets and was further distinguished by receiving the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief, PNP Kampilan Award, and recognition as Best in General Education.
Romualdez emphasized the deeper story behind Cagasan's achievement, making her accomplishment even more meaningful and worthy of admiration from the people of Leyte and the rest of the country. He stated, 'What makes her story especially powerful is that it goes far beyond medals, rank and ceremony. Isa itong kuwento ng talino, tibay ng loob at pagmamahal sa pamilya (It's a story of talent, inner strength and love of family).' He noted that a promise to her late mother helped carry her through the hardest years of cadet life, turning private grief into a public triumph that stands as an inspiration for young people in Leyte and across the nation.
Cagasan's journey reflects resilience shaped by hardship and purpose. Romualdez remarked, '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.' He acknowledged that Leyte takes pride in her not only for finishing first but for carrying to the top a story shaped by loss, perseverance, and the quiet strength to move forward during life's most challenging moments.
Romualdez also recognized the role of Visayas State University (VSU) in Cagasan's development before entering the PNPA. Cagasan previously studied Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at VSU as a Department of Agriculture scholar. Romualdez expressed, '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.'
He concluded by noting that VSU 'deserves recognition not only for its long and distinguished academic legacy in Leyte and the Visayas, but also for continuing to produce young people whose excellence brings honor to the province and strength to the nation.'
