22-year-old makes history as Pampanga's first Aeta medical technologist

A 22-year-old from Porac, Pampanga has made history after becoming the province’s first Aeta to pass the Medical Technologist Licensure Examination.

According to a report by JP Soriano on “24 Oras Weekend,” Rolan Popatco Jr. successfully passed the March 2026 MedTech board exam, and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office confirmed that he is the first licensed Aeta medical technologist in Pampanga.

“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,” Rolan said.

Rolan grew up in the mountains and later pursued his studies in the lowlands to chase his dream.

With the help of various government scholarship grants, he finished a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology degree.

While studying, he also balanced his responsibilities as an SK Chairman in their area.

There were moments he considered giving up, he admitted, but thoughts of helping his community pushed him forward.

“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.

Rolan now hopes to take his journey further by becoming a doctor, with the goal of bringing accessible medical services to indigenous communities in the mountains.

He is currently seeking scholarship opportunities to continue his medical education. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News