She almost gave up on her dream—now she’s PNPA’s top cadet of 2026
Van Marie Cagasan came close to quitting the Philippine National Police Academy midway through her cadetship when her mother, Editha, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and later passed away.
"Sobrang critical po nung moment na' yun. Gusto ko na pong umuwi kasi para makasama ko siya," the 24-year-old from Baybay City, Leyte, told PhilSTAR L!fe.
"But siya po yung nag-[encourage] sa akin na i-continue ko na lang po yung cadetship journey since nasimulan ko naman na daw, tapos pareho naman naming pangarap," she said.
Four years later, that perseverance paid off. Cagasan graduated as the top cadet of the Silang Paglaom” Class of 2026, ranking first among 326 graduates at Camp General Mariano Castañeda in Silang, Cavite, on March 27. She was also awarded the Presidential Kampilan Award, the Chief, PNP Kampilan Award, and several Special Academic Awards, including Best in General Education.
Courtesy of Van Marie Cagasan
Her academic success is a natural reflection of the scholarly household in which she was raised. In fact, she graduated as valedictorian in both elementary and high school. She credits these achievements to her parents, Drs. Ulysses and the late Editha, who taught Agronomy and Crop Science, and Development Communication, respectively.
In college, she took a Biotechnology course at Visayas State University, but later realized that her calling was public service.
"After seeing my parents [who] are also serving the country through teaching, parang na-inspire ako. Gusto ko rin pong mag-serbisyo sa bayan, but I just chose a different path. That's why I entered the PNPA," she told L!fe.
Cadetship journey
PNPA follows a rigorous screening process. Before becoming a cadet, one must take the PNPA Cadet Admission Test, after which they will undergo further evaluations, including a neuropsychiatric examination and a physical agility test to assess their ability to handle the mental and physical demands of the job. This process narrows thousands of applicants down to around 300 to 400 official cadets.
Getting through the academy posed another kind of difficulty. Cagasan admitted that her only goal that time was to graduate on time, adding that her original class started with 439, but only 326 cadets graduated on March 27.
"Through the grace of God, nakagraduate naman po na nakasali sa Top 10. Naging top one pa po," she added.
Cagasan shared that during their cadetship, she only got to go back to Leyte twice a year—during academic and Christmas breaks. Her months of longing for her family came through at the graduation rites. A candid photo of her father weeping on her shoulder soon captured hearts across the internet.
"Parang matagal ko na kasing pinipigilan noong time na 'yun 'yung emotions ko. Tapos hinahanap ko pa si father noon kasi medyo madaming tao. Hindi nila ata ako nahanap agad. Noong nakakita ko na si papa, doon na yung emotions ko po nag-overflow, kaya naiyak ako," she shared.
Looking back, Cagasan couldn't be more grateful to her family, whose support carried her throughout. "My parents were never strict and imposing po. Hinahayaan lang po nila gawin anong gusto ko," she told L!fe. "Kaya lahat ng achievements, inaalay ko sa family ko."
Commitment to public service
Cagasan expressed gratitude for being able to honor women in a male-dominated field, and hoped her achievement would inspire other women to pursue their goals.
"Very grateful po ako na I was able to bring honor to the nation, especially this Women's Month. Malaki pong pasasalamat na parang nabigyan ko ng honor yung mga kababaihan na in a male-dominated field, kaya din pala nating mga babae na umangat sa taas," Cagasan said. "Kaya nila kung ano man yung gusto nilang gawin, basta ilagay lang nila sa isip at puso nila sa kung ano man yung gusto nilang tahakin."
Soon, Cagasan will begin working in the Caraga region. "Plano ko po doon na once nakapunta na po ako sa region, nakapag-report, magsesettle, tapos patuloy po na magsisilbi sa bayan," she said.
In her valedictory address, she vowed and urged fellow graduates to uphold the respect and trust inherent in their profession.
"As we receive our diplomas, let us remember that this is not a symbol of power, but of trust. Tiwalang dapat nating ingatan sa bawat kilos at desisyon," she said.
She said she aspires to be a public servant open to the community, showing that they are partners and not just law enforcers for peace.
"Hindi lang po kami law enforcers, kami din po ay partners ng community sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa komunidad," she told L!fe.
She advised aspiring police officers not to fear the challenges of training at the PNPA.
"To all the aspiring police officers and cadets, huwag kayong matakot sa hirap na maaari nyo pong suungin once pumasok kayo sa PNPA, because once na natapos n'yo 'yun, it is a very rewarding achievement. Aside sa makatapos ka ng tertiary education for free as a scholar ng bayan, you will be able to serve the country as well, which is a very noble profession," she said. "Being a scholar para sa bayan is a privilege."
