Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan's impressive achievement--and moving inspiration behind it--didn't go unnoticed by former House Speaker Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Cagasan, who hailed from Baybay City, Leyte, recently made headlines by emerging as the valedictorian of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) ‘Silang-Paglaom’ Class of 2026,

Cagasan led a graduating class of 326 cadets, and even received the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief, PNP Kampilan Award, and recognition as Best in General Education to boot.

“To lead a graduating class of 326 cadets is already an extraordinary distinction. To do so while receiving the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief, PNP Kampilan Award and recognition as Best in General Education makes her accomplishment even more meaningful, and all the more worthy of admiration from the people of Leyte and the rest of the country,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party, is also aware of the deeper story behind the achievement.

“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 (This is a story about a person's intelligence, fortitude, and love for the family),” he said.

“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,” noted Romualdez.

Romualdez 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,” he 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,” the Leyte congressman further said.

The two-time former House Speaker 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.£

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.

“Ipinapakita nito na kapag seryoso ang isang paaralan sa paghubog ng isip at pagkatao, ang naibibigay nito sa bayan ay hindi lang graduates kundi mga lider na may dangal, malasakit at puso sa paglilingkod,” he said.

(It shows that when a school is serious about shaping both mind and character, what it gives the nation is not just graduates but leaders with honor, compassion, and a heart for service.)

Romualdez said 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.”

“Sa tagumpay ni Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan, nakita ng Leyte ang isang anak ng rehiyon na tumindig para sa pamilya, para sa paaralan at para sa bayan. Sa tagumpay na ito rin, nakita ng bansa ang patunay na ang VSU ay nananatiling pinagmumulan ng husay, dangal, at pag-asa,” Romualdez added.

(In Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan's success, Leyte saw a daughter of the region who stood for family, for school, and for country. In this triumph as well, the nation saw proof that VSU remains a source of excellence, honor, and hope.)