A 22-year-old Aeta man from Porac, Pampanga has become the first licensed medical technologist from his indigenous group in the province, after passing the March 2026 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office confirmed the milestone, as reported by JP Soriano on 24 Oras Weekend. Rolan Popatco Jr. completed his Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology through government scholarship grants, making the journey from the mountains to the lowlands to pursue formal education.
Balancing his studies with serving as SK Chairman in his community, Rolan admitted there were points when he considered walking away from it all. What kept him going, he said, was the thought of what his license could mean beyond himself.
“Masaya ako na naging licensed na ako since hindi lang siya para sa akin, hindi lang siya para sa pamilya ko, kundi para sa community ko,” he said.
That sense of purpose carried him through the board exam as well.
“Pagdating ko doon sa exam, wala akong ibang inisip—na pagkatapos nito tutulong ako nang malaki, hindi lang para sa akin, kundi pati na rin sa mga kapwa ko na Aeta,” Rolan said.
He is now looking to extend his studies into medicine, with a specific goal of delivering healthcare to indigenous communities in the mountains. Rolan is currently exploring scholarship options to fund that next step.
