A 22-year-old scholar from the mountainous barangay of Camias in Porac has etched his name into the province's history books. Rolan Popatco Jr. became the first Aeta in Pampanga to pass the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination, breaking barriers for indigenous representation in the healthcare sector and proving that even the most remote communities can produce world-class professionals .
Popatco earned his Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science from the College of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, with the full support of the Pampanga provincial government, which provided him with financial assistance for his board review and examination expenses . On June 8, 2026, during a flag-raising ceremony at the provincial capitol grounds, Popatco and 98 other successful scholars were formally recognized. Governor Lilia "Nanay" Pineda personally awarded him the assistance that helped fund his journey to becoming a licensed medical technologist.
From Mountainous Barangay to Licensure Success
Popatco's journey was not a typical one. He grew up in the mountainous areas of Porac, where resources were limited and access to quality education required significant effort. Despite these challenges, he pursued his degree in medical laboratory science, often balancing his academic responsibilities with his role as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman of Barangay Camias . His ability to lead his community while excelling in a demanding academic program speaks to a level of discipline and dedication that impressed his professors and peers alike .
The board examination for medical technologists is known for its difficulty, requiring mastery of clinical chemistry, microbiology, hematology, immunohematology, and other specialized fields . For Popatco, each passing grade was not just a personal victory but a statement that indigenous students, given the right support, can excel in the most rigorous of professional programs. The provincial government's financial assistance, awarded through the scholarship programs of Governor Pineda's administration, covered his review and examination fees, removing the financial barriers that might have otherwise prevented him from reaching his goal.
A Future Doctor with a Mission to Serve His Community
Popatco's ambitions do not stop at being a medical technologist. He plans to continue his studies to become a doctor, with the ultimate goal of bringing better healthcare access to remote indigenous communities in the mountains of Pampanga . For indigenous families living in geographically isolated areas, the lack of healthcare professionals means that minor illnesses can become life-threatening, and preventive care is often non-existent.
By becoming a doctor, Popatco hopes to establish regular health missions in the same mountains where he grew up, providing check-ups, maternal care, and health education to communities that are often neglected by mainstream healthcare systems . Governor Pineda, who has made healthcare a cornerstone of her administration through the Alagang Nanay program, personally handed Popatco his assistance check, symbolizing the provincial government's commitment to supporting indigenous scholars who give back to their communities.
