BATANGAS CITY (PIA) — A female cadet from Lian town in Batangas led the 233 graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) Layag-Diwa Class 2024.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the guest of honor and speaker during the 45th PNPA Commencement Exercises at the Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang Cavite.

The President handed over the Presidential Kampilan award and saber to  Police Cadet Ma. Camille Cabungcal Cabasis for being this year’s valedictorian.

Cabasis is a consistent academic achiever who received honors from elementary to college, having graduated cum laude with a degree in criminology from the Batangas State University- Apolinario R. Apacible School of Fisheries Campus, where she also ranked first in the entire Calabarzon region for the criminology exam in 2019.

As an only child of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Cabasis, her life wasn't easy. In an interview aired via Pulis News Network, she shared that while studying, she worked to support herself in achieving her dreams by joining marching bands, working part-time at a photocopy center, and selling siopao to help cover her education expenses.

Cabasis highlighted that her motivation to become a full-fledged cadet began while serving as an Advance ROTC Officer, being part of the Alabagwis Class of 2016 Region IV Army Reserve Command ROTC Unit, and as the corps commander of the Batangas State University ARASOF ROTC Unit.

"With the help of these trainings, it was easier for me to adjust to what is expected when entering this type of training. Because of that, my physical, mental, and intellectual capacity as a PNPA cadet became stronger," said Cabasis.

While in the academy, she received other special awards including Special Academics Awards for Best in Laws and Jurisprudence, Best in Police Administration, and the PNPA Kampilan Academic Awards.

As a recipient of the Presidential Kampilan Award, Cabasis said that she recognizes the responsibility the honor carries, and vows to serve the country with integrity and honor.

“This is our time to give back to the Filipino people our deepest gratitude for making us refined individuals of the nation. I recognize the weight of responsibility it carries. Inspiring me to continue to hold onto the virtue I stood upon prior achieving this award - and it is excellence in everything I do,” Cabasis declared.

The class valedictorian said that to maintain her leading position within the academy, she adhered to three principles: being always prepared; having diligence and perseverance, and a strong faith in God.

She stated that no matter what she has achieved, she hopes she will serve as a role model and an inspiration for her fellow youth and women to demonstrate that they can significantly impact society.

Cabasis is among the 198 cadets who will join the Philippine National Police after graduating from the academy. (MPDC,CH/PIA-Batangas)