Vanessa Villalon Basa, a proud graduate of Western Philippines University (WPU), has brought honor to her alma mater and the Philippines by earning the distinction of being the Top Academic Awardee of Class 77 at the Virginia Beach Police Academy in the United States.
Basa, who graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology in 2010, achieved an outstanding academic average of 97.6%, which led to her recognition as the top academic recruit during the graduation ceremony on December 13, 2024.
Before pursuing her career in law enforcement, Basa served in the Philippine Air Force (PAF), where she showcased her multifaceted talents as a member of the PAF Band and a gifted singer. Known among her peers as “Vanz,” she was celebrated not only for her musical abilities but also for her dedication to achieving her dreams.
Her journey took an important turn when she married and moved to the United States. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment, Basa remained persistent in her ambition to join the police force and serve her community.
Her academic excellence and dedication to public service have made her a source of pride for WPU and the Filipino community.