Romer Butuyan 
PARA kay former House Speaker at Leyte Rep Martin Romualdez, isang karangalan para sa lalawigan ng Leyte ang babaeng kadete na itinanghal na valedictorian ng Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Silang-Paglaom Class of 2026.
Sa isang kalatas, partikular na tinukoy ni Romualdez ang ipinamalas na husay, determinasyon at talino ng aniya’y “home-grown achiever” na si Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan, tubong Baybay City, Leyte.
“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,” wika ni Romualdez.
“Her feat marks a proud moment for Leyte and for the entire Eastern Visayas,” underscoring the excellence, discipline and character behind her achievement,” dugtong ng former House Speaker.
Si Cagasan ang nanguna sa graduating class ng 326 cadets, na higit pang ikinarangal matapos masungkit ang Presidential Kampilan Award, ang Chief, PNP Kampilan Award, at parangal bilang 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,” papuri ni Romualdez sa kababayan lady police cadet.
Ayon sa Leyte solon, bukod sa mga parangal, ay ang pagkakaroon ng malalim na istorya sa mga nakamit ng tubong-Baybay City, ang ipinamalas na talino, tibay ng loob at pagmamahal sa kanyang pamilya.
“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.”
“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,” aniya pa.
Bukod sa pagiging top cadet graduate, dala rin aniya ni Cagasan ang kwento ng pagkaulila, pagsusumikap at itinatagong katatagan na magpatuloy sa gitna ng kinakaharap na hirap.
Pinuri rin ng House leader ang malaking papel ng Visayas State University (VSU) sa paghubog at pagbibigay ng malawak na kaalaman kay Cagasan bago pa man pumasok sa PNPA. Si Cagasan ay kumuha ng kursong Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology sa VSU bilang isang 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,” ani Romualdez.
“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.”
