In a remarkable testament to grit and perseverance, Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan, a 24‑year‑old from Baybay City, Leyte, has emerged as the top graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Silang‑Paglaom” Class of 2026.
Cagasan’s journey to the pinnacle of one of the nation’s most demanding service academies was fraught with personal trials, yet marked by an unwavering commitment to her goals.
Midway through her cadetship, she faced a heartbreak that nearly derailed her dream, the decline and eventual passing of her mother, Editha, due to cancer.
Her mother’s heartfelt wish which was to see her daughter march on stage and receive her diploma became the anchor that carried her through countless challenges.
“It was her mother’s heartfelt wish saying ‘I want to see you marching on stage and receive your diploma’ and that became her anchor and source of strength,” academy officials said.
The PNPA, a four‑year institution that trains future officers of the Philippine National Police, is known for its rigorous academic, physical, and leadership demands.
Despite the intensity of the program, Cagasan not only endured but excelled, demonstrating resilience that classmates and instructors say set her apart.
“She almost gave up on her dream,” a profile of her experience noted, highlighting moments when the emotional weight of her circumstances made the rigors of cadet life feel overwhelming. Yet she chose to stay the course, turning adversity into motivation.
At the PNPA commencement exercises held in Silang, Cavite, Cagasan was recognized for her outstanding performance among 326 graduating cadets.
She received several top honors, including the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief, PNP Kampilan Award, and Best in General Education, distinctions that underscore her academic strength and leadership potential.
Her achievement has resonated across communities in Eastern Visayas, where many see her story as a powerful example of determination triumphing over hardship. Educators and municipal leaders in Baybay City have congratulated her, noting that her success serves as inspiration to young Filipinos striving for excellence under difficult circumstances.
Before entering the academy, Cagasan pursued a degree in biotechnology, demonstrating intellectual versatility that later complemented the discipline and leadership training at the PNPA.
As Cagasan prepares for commissioning as a police officer, her achievement carries a deeper message for many aspiring law‑enforcement cadets, that perseverance, grounded in personal resolve and guided by a strong sense of purpose, can propel even the most daunting dreams into reality.
Her story of promise fulfilled born of hardship, sustained by resolve that stands as a beacon of hope for other young people, especially those facing their own trials on the road to achievement.
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