PNPA Class 2026 top cadet driven by promise to late mother

A 24-year-old female cadet from Baybay City, Leyte has emerged as the top graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026.

According to the PNPA, Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan was driven by her promise to her late mother who wanted to see her marching on stage and receiving her diploma.

During her second year at the PNPA, Cagasan’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, forcing the cadet to confront the reality of balancing duty and family. 

She struggled with the heartbreak of not always being by her mother’s side as the she was confined within the strict environment of cadetship.

At one point, she even considered leaving the academy to return home. 

“It was her mother’s heartfelt wish—'I want to see you marching on stage and receive your diploma'—that became her anchor and source of strength,” the PNPA said.

“Carrying that promise in her heart, PCDT Cagasan persevered through every hardship, every sleepless night, and every demanding training day, turning grief into determination. Though her mother passed away before witnessing her daughter’s graduation, her words lived on as the guiding force behind every step PCDT Cagasan took toward success,” the academy added.

Cagasan was raised in a family rooted in academia and demonstrated academic excellence early on, as she also graduated as valedictorian in elementary and high school. 

She later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology at Visayas State University, where she became a scholar under the Department of Agriculture’s Biotechnology Program.

Despite a promising future in scientific research, Cagasan chose to enter the PNPA, driven by what she described as a deeper calling to serve the nation.

A total of 326 members of Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026 marched during the 47th PNPA commencement ceremony at Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite on Friday.

Other cadets who topped the class are:

• Rank 2-Police Cadet Jhon Rhovic Gorobao Talagtag,
• Rank 3- Police Cadet Joanne Gwen Buscagan Huiso,
• Rank 4-Police Cadet Bienesto Fidel Aguilar Junio,
• Rank 5-Police Cadet Daryl Calingayan Lunag, 
• Rank 6-Police Cadet Kharen Mae Mahinay Gulfo
• Rank 7-Police Cadet Hazelyne Pearl Bartolome Magora
• Rank 8-Police Cadet Mary Angel Rea Barbon Espida,
• Rank 9-Police Cadet Trixia Raye L Ajose, 
• Rank 10-Police Cadet Ed Cedrick Tesalona Julian

—AOL, GMA Integrated News