Leyte’s Finest: Romualdez Celebrates PNPA Valedictorian from Baybay City and Honors VSU’s Excellence

Baybay City- – Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed immense pride this Tuesday as he honored a homegrown talent from Eastern Visayas. Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan, a native of Baybay City, Leyte, officially emerged as the valedictorian of 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 historic achievement marks “a proud moment for Leyte and for the entire Eastern Visayas,” while highlighting the “excellence, discipline and character” that defined her journey through the academy.

Cagasan distinguished herself among a graduating class of 326 cadets by securing the academy’s highest honors, including the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief, PNP Kampilan Award, and the distinction of being Best in General Education.

“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 remarked.

The House Leader emphasized that the true weight of her success lies in her personal perseverance. “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,” Romualdez stated. He noted that Cagasan’s motivation was deeply rooted in a personal vow. “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.”

According to Romualdez, Cagasan’s rise to the top is a testament to the resilience found within the region. “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 shared. “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 more difficult.”

In addition to celebrating the graduate, Romualdez took the opportunity to recognize Visayas State University (VSU) for its role in her foundational years. Before entering the PNPA, Cagasan studied Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at VSU as a Department of Agriculture scholar.

“I also extend my congratulations to Visayas State University, which helped shape Van Marie before she entered the academy,” Romualdez said. He noted the significance of an institution known for technical science producing a top-tier law enforcement leader. “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.”

The Speaker further praised the university’s commitment to holistic development. “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. He concluded by affirming 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.”

Reflecting on the impact of her success, Romualdez added: “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.”